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  • 5.0 star rating
    8/12/2015

    The wait was worth it!!
    I ordered the Cheeseburger and the crispy fries with the garlic aioli, fried egg, and béchamel sauce.

    About the Cheeseburger: Incredibly juicy, a soft and slightly sweet bun, and to top it off, its completed with a nice spread and the BEST thinly sliced pickles I've ever had!

    Them Crispy Fries: Ok. I'm no stranger to carbs and have had my fair share of fries and I must say, these were DELICIOUS. The fries were on the salty side, but it made the perfect complement for the cheesy béchamel sauce. If you're planning on ordering fries, you may as well upgrade to these since you've probably already waited over an hour just to sit down

    All in all, this place is worth a visit and if you want to beat the crowd, just aim to eat around 9:30 on a weekday otherwise you'll most definitely be waiting around 2 hours +/-

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/13/2015

    Here I am. The famous Au Cheval. All those reviews about the burger and the long waits. They are partially true. As a burger connoisseur I had to go there and try it myself to see if the urban legends were true. Now here comes my hammer, behold!

    I went there by myself on a Tuesday night and waited 1.5hrs. There is a little trick to shorten your wait time, make your presence felt; meaning step in there every 30min and remind the guy that you are there and waiting. I was told that the wait would 3hrs. I actually saw people waited 3hrs, a group of 3.

    90% of the bars, grills and pubs serve their burgers with a side. Here, I had to order the fries separately. I kinda felt like it was a rip off; for such price, you should be able to provide burger with fries.

    Before I get to the burger, I will start with the ambient. The music was banging, literally banging. Even though the tables for 2 are small, people were yelling at each other to be heard. They do not play slow music and it is loud. I did not feel comfortable with that, maybe that's a business strategy to make people leave faster.

    The fries, the cut of the fries were good, I could feel the taste of the potato. The fries were served with garlic mayo which was another good thing. I myself eat my food salty but these fries were way too salty that dried my lips and burned my throat. Be easy on the salt guys. You may ruin nice fries and the burger experience.

    The legendary burger is not the best burger in the city; and definitely not the best in the country. For a restaurant/bar/pub burger, it was above average. Nice patty and good beef taste. There are at least couple of other burger places in the city makes it better. I do not understand the reason behind these exaggerated reviews. I guess when people wait 2 hours, it makes it more delicious and they are just conditioned to like it. Congratulations to the management or the PR team that created this hype, repute or marketing strategy for this place that makes people wait for hours for a normal atmosphere and food. If I could walk in and sit down yes, It was an ok experience but Definitely Not Worth the Wait, period.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/12/2015
    1 check-in

    Does Au Cheval have a good burger? Yes. Is it the best burger that's worth the wait? No.

    If you don't want to listen to any reviews and plan on judging the burger for yourself for dinner, get here long before 5pm. Just because the KITCHEN is closed from 3pm-5pm doesn't mean that the RESTAURANT is closed then too. There are a ton of young kids hanging around drinking booze which makes me believe the drunkards give this place a 5 star without realizing what they are doing. Do not drink and review drunk please!

    Anyways back to the food. The burger is good, not great, nor is it the best burger. Are the patties juicy? Yes. Is there a proper bread to meat ratio? Yes. Is all of the above worth the wait? Hell no. The French fries are also good and the garlic aioli is fantastic. Hell, if a friend wants to go here again I'll probably get 3 orders of fries and skip the burger.

    If you're looking for a cool hipster bar with good food and don't care about paying too much for what you are getting, Au Cheval is your place.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/12/2015

    Look, if you hate waiting for anything, go elsewhere. But if you're willing and able to stop in at 11:00 for lunch on a weekday, get the burger and proceed to rave to your friends. It's not worth waiting 3 hours for (Kuma's Corner is my only will-wait-for-burger and that's a stretch), but it's delicious and worth a special trip out of the office.

    PS: you will smell like a diner afterward. They cook the burgers on an open griddle out front, and if you have long hair like me, you're gonna smell like Eau de Au Cheval allll day.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/11/2015
    1 check-in

    Finally, a highly anticipated Chicago hot spot that didn't disappoint! (I'm looking at you Publican and Purple Pig) Au Cheval is known for its glorious cheeseburger and the long, looong wait, which is exactly what we got.

    Au Cheval is a tiny restaurant on the corner of Randolph street so not made for large parties. Our group of 6 was perfect, albeit a tad squeezed, for the booths in the venue. We came at 10pm on a Wednesday night hoping for maybe a 45 minute wait... Oh, boy were we wrong! Even at this quiet hour, the wait would be 2 hours. Disappointed but determined to bite into the legendary burger, we waited out at Haymerchant nearby.

    TIP: They will text you when your name comes up on the reservation list to which you will have ten minutes to respond. So, put your name on the list and get drinks somewhere nearby (or even go home) to pass the long wait time!

    When it was finally time, we ordered right away. Cheeseburgers with fried egg and bacon for everyone please! Please, everyone, do not ignore what all the fans say - this burger is out of this world. I will say, THE BEST burger I have ever had! Melt in your mouth, fatty goodness is what makes Au Cheval at the top of everyone's list. You have to get it with bacon and egg or you'd be doing it wrong. One friend also got the foi gras toast and another the duck hash. I am a sucker for foi gras and thought it was eclectic but sensational when paired with jelly. The duck hash was also a hit with my friend who doesn't eat beef. Foodgasms for the whole table!

    Can't wait to have this burger again and maybe sooner than I thought with the opening of Small Cheval!

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/31/2015
    1 check-in

    I was recommended Au Cheval by one of my customers a long time ago and had to give it a try. I'm glad I did but doubt I'll make it a regular spot for a burger.

    Although the burger is quite good, it isn't amazing. I still prefer Umami Burger. I also had their French fries which were good but only when you dip them in the garlic aioli sauce.

    A bit weird that they open early but won't serve any food until 5 pm. The place is tiny so make sure you get there early if you want to eat.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/24/2015

    I finally tried Au Cheval's infamous cheeseburger - item #38 on my bucket list is now checked off.

    My friend took one for the team and put our names down early enough for us to eat at a reasonable time. Three hours later, we were seated at 9:30pm (yes, expect to wait that long). Here's a tip: get there as early as you can and put your name down. Then, either go home and do laundry, visit a friend you haven't seen in awhile, catch up on some Netflix, or grab several drinks somewhere and wait for your text to know that your seat is now available.

    Like Conor McGregor of the UFC, this is the real deal and not just talk. It's deceiving because the appearance and list of ingredients don't do it justice. You don't see a pile of fried onion rings or foie gras or whatever people are putting on burgers these days. It's literally just two patties with American cheese, pickles, and a mayo mixed with Dijon mustard - that's it but somehow it tastes amazing. The main flavor is fat but it's not greasy. The burger is cooked on a griddle where all of the meat juices go right back into the patty in comparison to an open grill. You bite into it and there's a burst of love juices that flow into your mouth and something magical happens afterwards.

    Whether it's laced with something or enchanted with David Blaine's evil demon magic, it is definitely an impressive burger that has left me puzzled.  I don't know how they do it but yes, it was a phenomenal burger.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/27/2015
    1 check-in

    That is indeed a really good burger. Life-changing? No. But still a really good burger. Plan to arrive a few minutes before 11 and have everyone in your party with you - you can't be seated without everyone and you will lose your table.

    Burger was tasty, and make sure to get it with the delicious thick cut bacon. Possibly with an extra side of bacon. It's really good bacon. A surprising table favorite was the root beer on tap. With less carbonation than a typical bottle, I heard more cooing over this root beer than the burger itself. Fries came with good sauces, but were a bit limp for me.

    Dessert list is limited, but the mille feuille (pastry layers with cream) was excellent. Local black dog gelato (which is always tasty) is also available.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/29/2015
    2 check-ins

    I first visited Au Cheval two years ago with a friend who was obsessed and described this place as "the most amazing place ever." Two years, and three trips later, I still agree with him.

    I was here just last Friday. I arrived around 6:30pm and was told that the wait for a booth was 2.5-3 hours but I could be seated immediately at the counter. I didn't mind the counter at all because it meant I had a perfect view of the busy kitchen.

    For drinks, I ordered the Shakespeare Stout and loved it! Great stout beer!

    Every other time I've been here, I've ordered the bologna sandwich - which is delicious. But this time, I wanted to try the burger. For dinner, my friend and I both ordered single cheeseburgers with egg and bacon. It took about 15-20 minutes to get our food but the entire time we were amused by the fast pace of the kitchen.

    The burger arrived spread out and it looked amazing. We put the top half on the rest of the burger, pressed down, and watched the egg yolk ooze down the burger. Sometimes ooze is a gross thing but this was a delicious looking ooze. By the time the burger made it to my mouth, each bite was eggy, bacony, and meaty. It was perfection. I could've eaten the burger without pausing but I made sure I ate it slowly to savor the flavors. The single burger is actually two meat patties stacked but neither patty is exceptionally thick. It made for a filling but not truly heavy meal.

    Overall, this was a delicious experience. Burgers are definitely worth. Just be warned, adding the egg and bacon adds about another 5 bucks to the meal so dinner and drinks with tax and tip will cost you almost 30 bucks.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/31/2015
    4 check-ins

    Unless you've been living under a rock, you've certainly heard about Au Cheval's burger being one of the best in the country. I've been here numerous times, and can say that it lives up to the hype and is worth the wait. Don't think you're going to get in here with a party of eight people. Au Cheval is better suited to a group of four or less.

    If you don't want to wait 2-4 hours for a booth or table, just wait for the next open seat at the bar. It's first come, first serve. Plus, you get to see the kitchen in action. My wife commented on how it's like seeing harmony in motion. It's certainly captivating while you're waiting for your order. Everyone in the kitchen knows their role, there's no screaming like Hell's Kitchen, and things just get done. It's a beautiful thing.

    So how about that food? If you're going to order their famous burger, top it off with an egg and thick cut bacon. Trust me on this. Oh, if you're feeling especially gluttonous, just remember that a single is really a double and a double really is three patties. If you're going to top either of these off with bacon and egg, then you may have to be rolled out of the place. Fair warning!

    Next, try the crispy fries with an egg on top. It comes with sides of garlic aioli and mornay sauces. I love both, and it's a nice compliment to the burger. Plus you can share with your friends!

    Another item I've had is General Jane's Honey-Fried Chicken, and this is another fantastic dish to share with your table. It's sweet, and will certainly require a wet nap or two! It's a bit pricey, but if you think about the quantity and split it between friends, then you may be able to rationalize that dollar figure.

    All in all, I feel blessed to have a place like Au Cheval in Chicago that so many people around the country are raving about and flocking to while I just have to travel a relatively short distance. Folks, remember, the wait may be long, but there's the bar, and you can always just chill out at other places in the West Loop until you get that wonderful text saying a table is open for your party.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/25/2015
    1 check-in

    Wow, I don't even like burgers and was not too excited to come here and have to wait hours to get one.  My bf and I had a friend come in from out of town and we wanted to take him somewhere good.  This place is like a modern classed up diner, dark, small, and very loud.  We came here on a Wednesday, around 5 pm and put in our names for a table for 3.  Our wait was almost two hours, but we went to a bar across the street while we were waiting for them to text us that they have a table available so it wasn't too bad.

    To start, I had their punch cocktail and it was really good! We ordered two sides of their fries with the egg on it and each got a single burger.  BE WARNED, the single has 2 patties, and the double has 3.  AND THE BURGER WAS AWESOME.  You absolutely have to get it with bacon and egg on it because it was literally all about the bacon, soooooo delicious.  And I loved the pickle/onion mayo they dress it with.  The burger was super juicy and melt in your mouth. I don't think I'll ever eat a burger again if it's not from here!  Everything ended up costing about $112 without tip, not bad.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/28/2015
    1 check-in

    On a Saturday morning, the line wrapped around the corner and was about 90 people deep - 20 minutes before the restaurant even opened.

    I've had Au Cheval on my list of places to try for quite some time, and once my dad heard that Au Cheval had the "best burger in Chicago," he insisted that we HAD to try it.  My dad thinks that paying more than $20 for a pair of shoes is ludicrous, so I warned him of the rumored long waits and gave caution of the burger with a hefty $11 pricetag - and that's before you add bacon or an egg.  He wavered a bit, but then became dead set on trying the burger that was declared "best."

    The good news is that, despite the long wait, they opened the doors and began seating promptly.  After that, the guy at the door began taking names and phone numbers.  We were quoted a wait for 1 hour, 15 minutes (I'd like to remind you that we arrived before they opened), and we headed across the street to Haymarket for some beers.

    The service is decent, the music is too loud to have a conversation, but who gives a sh*t?  When you waited in line this long you're starving and don't have time to speak.

    The burger is delicious; the single is two patties, the double is three.  The house made, brown sugar bacon is thick and practically a patty itself.  I didn't think the egg was necessary.  Worth the wait?  Well, I wouldn't do it again.  I still think that Leadbelly, Kuma's, and Flub a Dub Chub have superior burgers.  Au Cheval's is quite messy too; I dug in with my fork & knife.

    Get the fries.  The garlic aioli is a good dipping sauce for the burger too.

    Yes, the food is very good.  I loved that we were able to put in our name for a table instead of sweating bullets in line outside.  But I do think that, overall, Au Cheval is a bit over-hyped.  Their burger didn't break my top 3, but I wouldn't mind coming back to try something else on the menu.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/19/2015
    1 check-in

    It's good. Very good. However, the wait is not. There's nothing fun about waiting 30-60 minutes for a cramped space. But, I doubt there's any way around it if you want to try this place.

    It has been on my list of places to try for quite some time but I could not bring myself to drive over to wait to eat a burger. But, my close friend insisted on having her birthday meal here so I made the exception and will say it was a great meal and I am glad I did.

    The wait has a lot to do with its size.  It's close quarters and the tables are seriously small. It's like staying in your first hotel in Paris. Uncomfortably tight but you are too excited about the whole experience to notice or care. We were seated in the back table area which is a long bench with several tiny tables spaced throughout with a chair on the opposite side of each table. When others are seated next to you, hold your food or pay attention.  I promise you. Something will shift on your table. Their coat, purse, butt or some other body part will touch something on your table because it's a little cramped.

    Is it worth trying? Definitely but personally, I would not visit here routinely. Primarily because I am not a fan of waiting thirty plus minutes to eat a burger in a city inundated with good burger joints. If you like sipping on Randolph street, you could be regular here. They will text you when your table is ready so you do not have to stand around waiting.

    FYI- the kitchen closes from 3p-5p each day.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/17/2015
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chicago, IL

    Voted one of the best burgers in America, be prepared for a ridiculous wait.

    // LOCATION // Across the street from Girl & the Goat

    // AMBIANCE // It is a itty bitty dimly lit bar

    // WAIT // 2 hours for a party of 2 on a weeknight during dinner. Insanity. Luckily they text you when your table is ready which gives you the opportunity to get drinks at the nearby bars

    // FOOD //
        + Au Cheval burger: Topped with thick cut bacon and a perfectly cooked fried egg with an oozy yolk, this burger is fantastic. I don't know if anything is really worth waiting 2 hours for though.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/3/2015
    1 check-in

    LIVED UP TO MY EXPECTATIONS. Best burger ever, hands down. Why you might ask? Well it's not just the meat itself (which is pretty darn juicy) but it's also all the extra stuff that goes with it. My husband and I bellied up to the bar for a couple burgers, fries, and beers. FYI I recommend just sitting at the bar- you get to watch all the action/magic happening. Plus we would get the occasional free samples of leftover things the cooks were making. Real cool people working there.
    The buns are perfectly toasted, the thick cut bacon covered in pepper, and maybe a bit of maple syrup, and the egg is cooked so perfectly so that when you smash it all together you get a the messiest most delicious burger imaginable. Be sure to include their sauce too! The fries were also perfection, and came with this ridiculous garlic dipping sauce. We had the apricot pale ale which I also recommend.
    Def a must on any burger lovers list!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/8/2015
    1 check-in

    So I always read the negative reviews when I go to a place as hyped as this to see if there's a legitimate beef (no pun intended, ok maybe a little intended) or if this is the usual brand of whiny yelper.  Here are the illegitimate beefs.

    Wah, I had to wait a really long time.  Uh duh.  That's what happens at good restaurants.  It's not a reason for a 1 star review.  

    Wah, the restaurant is small, therefore I had to wait a long time.  See above.

    Now let's move along.

    The burger.  Sheer perfection.  They don't ask you how you want it cooked because they know how to cook it so that it tastes better than anything you'll ever pull off your grill.  The combination of perfectly melted and creamy cheese along with one of the more tender burgers you'll ever devour was just heaven.  The bun was toasted just perfectly.  Just the slightest bit of crisp while not feeling heavy or like you were eating a piece of toasted garlic bread.  The bacon.  Allow me to close my eyes and smile for a moment in remembrance.

    The fries.  So yea $6bucks is a lot for some fries.  However having done my research I knew their were enough to share.  They were crispy, salty and delicious.  The burger is superior, but the fries were definitely worth having if you need fries with your burger.

    The drinks.  Yum.  I had an old fashioned and it was solid.  My friend had...hmm I don't remember, but it was orange in color and it was fabulous.  So ask for the orange thing on the cocktail menu.

    The wait, I dunno.  I'm not dumb enough to not read the reviews and just show up at dinner time on a Friday night.  I went on a Tuesday at 5pm sharp.  I waited zero minutes.  

    Chicago has a plethora of amazing burger joints and this one ranks near the very top.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/9/2015
    2 check-ins

    Came in on a Tuesday night at 10:45pm and had a 10 minutes wait. This alone speaks volumes about the popularity of the place.

    When we got seated the service was attentive and quick.

    Got a burger with egg and Moscow mule.

    The burger was spot on. Delicious, juicy, flavorful, and just overall a perfect cheat day meal (which I had right after working out. Oops)

    The atmosphere is old school diner and San Fran bar blended into one. I like it. It's fun yet relaxing. It's a bit dark though so prepare to use your phone to real the menu.

    I will most definitely come back for brunch with all the foie gras options and if I'm craving a simple yet delicious burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/11/2015

    "Au cheval" means 'with egg' in French, our waiter stated matter of factly when we inquired as to whether the burgers came with an egg.  That explained a lot, to our collective relief, as the strict translation would refer to something about a horse.  And that's why we leave the culinary colloquialisms (and cooking) to the pros.  With that said, we decided to have an egg in everything we ordered, which wasn't hard to do:

    -au cheval cheese burger with THICK slabs of bacon
    -frites with garlic aioli and mornay sauce
    -scrambled eggs with foie gras

    So first off, know that this is a HEAVY restaurant, even by Chicago standards.  We came here for brunch after a pretty massive dinner, and we had trouble finishing everything among the 3 of us.  That being said, if you had just come in from running a marathon or biking a century, this is THE meal to have.  The burger....oh the burger.  Best in America? Probably, but I'd love to taste the contenders that try to dethrone this badboy.  The foie gras scrambled eggs? Have a cardiologist handy (funnily, the 3rd person with us was actually a cardiologist).  We also topped it off with healthy helping of their bloody mary, made with sweet pickles (not a bad touch!).

    Overall, this is a great place.  But I think I could only come once every few months, unless I REALLY enjoyed the company of my cardiologist...

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/22/2015
    3 check-ins

    OMFG best burger ever. Seriously. You will rarely wait less than 1 to 2 hours to sit, but it's worth it. The burger is the juiciest thing you will ever taste. There's basically just one burger option: a cheeseburger. The patties are super thin so the regular cheeseburger has two patties, but you can also add on a third. I always get the regular cheeseburger with bacon. Mmm thick cut, delicious bacon. You can also get a runny egg on top...messy but delicious. And then there are the fries...fries fried in BUTTER. Butter!! They're the best. Seriously. I'm salivating just thinking about it.

    Put down your name when you're not hungry, go across the street to the brewery and then eat your heart out!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    After hearing about this place for years, I finally was able to find a very random time to go and try the famous burger for myself.

    My mom and I stopped in on a cold, rainy, Thursday and were able to get seated right when it opened. I knew lines tended to get long, but I didn't realize that it was a combination of high demand and very limited seating. Definitely happy we got here right when it opened because by the time we left every seat was filled.

    As for the food - we ordered the fries to start and they were amazing. It was very hard to stop eating them, but we kept reminding ourselves that our burgers were coming and we'd need the room! I ordered the burger with egg and bacon, while she just ordered the egg. Be warned - these are big burgers and messy to eat. That being said, they were pretty amazing. I like when burgers are cooked thin and that's the way they do them here. It's definitely one of the best burgers I've ever had.

    However, I could never see myself waiting 3 hours to eat this burger. If you can help it, don't. Find a random time to take an early lunch, or show up late at night and hope the line isn't too bad. I think I was able to enjoy the food so much because I wasn't super angry that I'd been standing around for hours for a burger.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/25/2015
    1 check-in

    First off, I wish Yelp had decimals... 4.5!!! The only thing is the wait which is totally understandable because this place is BUMPINNNNN.

    The decor- awesome, the service- great, the food- TOO GOOD.

    I got the hamburger with sunny side up egg and bacon... One of the best hamburgers I've had, HANDS DOWN. I kept telling myself that this burger better be the best burger on earth if I had to wait 2 hours in line for it, well it was worth it. They make their own pickles too so that was pretty bomb.

    Other dishes from the table- omelette with jack mushrooms and cheese and a duck heart skillet. Both were bomb! The duck heart was amazing, haven't had something like this since France!

    Would definitely go here again when I go back to Chicago and recommend to anyone visiting here!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/26/2015
    2 check-ins

    Without a doubt the best burger spot in the country. Their bacon, egg and cheese burger is perfect in every way! I could eat this cheeseburger multiple times a week.

    No wonder Food Network had deemed Au Cheval's burger the best in the nation.

    Go a early or wait a long time. Either way, it's absolutely worth it. I wish I could eat here all the time.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/16/2015
    1 check-in

    We met friends for Sunday brunch just before 10am and we joined the line of eagerly awaiting, hungry customers. Right at 10, the doors opened and the first seating filed inside.

    The restaurant has a cool and laid back vibe. With dark brown leather booths, wooden tables, and a large bar, it appeared more fitting for a night out for drinks than for a late morning meal. But, clearly this was a brunch haven for Chicagoans and tourists in the know.

    The brunch menu is limited with fairly standard entree options without any specific theme - burger, omelette, potato hash, salad, bologna sandwich, chilaquiles, simple egg breakfast, yogurt and granola. Sides included bacon, a blueberry muffin, fries or hash browns. More than half of the menu listed cocktails, breakfast beers, and coffee drinks.

    Nothing really stood out to me but yelpers seem to love the burger. While my friend cautioned me against buying into the hype, based on her experience with the burger there, I went against her recommendation and ordered it anyway. After all, Bon Appetit named it the "Best in America" in 2012.

    Two patties, cheese, and pickles were sandwiched between a toasted bun ($11.95), along with the add-on of thick-cut peppered bacon ($3.50) - which, by the way, was the star of the burger - and dijonnaise. I cut it in half and took a bite. It tasted like an ordinary burger. A good one, but nothing that couldn't be easily replicated. The order of fries ($5.95) were also just good.

    $20 for a mediocre bacon cheeseburger and fries, along with poor service, was a little ridiculous but the time spent with good company was priceless!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/9/2015

    This place was recommended to us as being the best place to get a burger - it did not disappoint.

    The host told us it was a 2.5 hour wait, we waited. After only an hour, we got our table - we're unsure why the host told us 2.5 hours.  

    We already knew we wanted their signature cheese burger - we ordered it and waited with intense anticipation. When it came, we were floored. It looked so beautiful - I almost didn't want to cut into it (my fiancé and I split it). It was the most delicious cheeseburger I've ever had. I'd gladly wait 2.5 hours to order one of these bad boys.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/6/2015

    What to expect: Coming to this joint on a weekend means you're going to be on their wait-list. Don't worry, you can leave your name / phone number and you'll be free to leave. They'll text you when your next in line. Just be sure to arrive there 10 mins upon your text or you may lose your spot. I would give this 5/5 but waiting 4 hours that day from 6 p.m. was a disappointment. Usually the wait is 1~2 hours but 4 hours? Z.z~~

    Au Cheval, "Home of the greatest burgers." Many people often look past the fact that it may simply be A Burger. Well, if you haven't taken a bite of this gourmet burger, you really haven't tried a burger at all. This by far, will bring you back time and time again.

    For beginners, order their single cheeseburger with egg AND bacon. Why? Ordering a single cheeseburgers actually gives you two meat patties (you don't want to scarf down 4 patties if you ordered their double cheeseburger, or do you?) I'm going to say this again, please order the egg and bacon. If you don't, you won't find the excellent balance between the sweet-delicious bacon that is mixed with the egg yolk that neutralizes the salty beef patty. You'll thank me later. They have a wide selection of hard liquor and beer, so you'll be pleased to find both.

    As for parking, I'll let you in on a little secret. Right across Au Cheval on 740 W Randolph street there's parking available. A HIDDEN GEM. Or if you don't mind walking a mini bridge literally equivalent to 1 block its on 730 -732 W Randolph. There both paid meter parking. If you don't want to go back and forth checking on your meter. You can also download the parking meter app! Hope this helps.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/11/2015
    1 check-in

    Always busy per usual. Great atmosphere. Sitting at the bar is neat as you watch the crew toss out burgers left and right. Get there at least a half an hour before opening time on the weekends and you're bound to make it in on the first round of walk-ins.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/4/2015

    I have been to Au Cheval (and many other Brendan Sodikoff restaurants) a few times since I work nearby and is a great lunch spot when you want to eat early and beat the lines.  Au Cheval has the same decor and feel to Gilt Bar or Bavette's.  

    I'm sure you've heard of his famous cheeseburger (two patties) by now since it has been featured on every nationwide food publication/blog by now.  The hype is on another level with this place.  The burger is good and I have had the cheeseburger with bacon and egg on top and I have had it just simply prepared without the toppings, just bun, cheese and beef.  I would for sure recommend having it without the bacon since it is a thicker cut and completely overpowers the burger.  A fried egg normally makes everything better.  

    The General Jane's wings are good and crispy and completely drenched in sauce, but if you want good Asian fried chicken, head to Crisp in Lakeview.  I will also order the fried bologna sandwich when I'm not craving a burger and to be honest, it might be better than the famous cheeseburger.  It absolutely melts in your mouth.  The fries are very meh here.  I was expecting better.  

    Like I said, I have been here a few times and normally on the days after long weekday happy hours (that always turns into many happy hours) when I'm looking to eat something greasy at an earlier-than-normal lunch time since it is within walking distance to my office.  Come early and come hungry - you will be full the rest of the day.  I just wouldn't wait more than 30 mins to get a table when there are a lot of other great options nearby.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/14/2015

    This place is worth the hype, only 4 stars because while the food is amazing, I still feel weird getting an 80$ bill for burgers and beers. Here is a game plan for all first timers you should stick to:

    1. Get there at 4 pm, and save a table and grab some beers to wait to save your spot. They don't take reservations, and they don't start serving dinner until 5, but they will let you chill and hang out before then. By the time 5 pm rolled around, there was already a line out the door, and every table was full of people with the same idea.

    2. Split the sides like fries or whatever you want. They are huge, and one of the mistakes we made was each ordered a side of fries, when we could have easily split one. This probably added an extra 5 or 6 bucks to our bill.

    3. Get the fried egg and candied bacon on top. Yes it's more expensive, but you've already invested the time and effort to get to Au Cheval, so why on earth would you wait in line or wait at a table for an hour and NOT try the burger with all the trimmings?!

    Amazing burgers, great and friendly staff, love the ambiance of the rustic wooden tables and candles. Will go again when I have another Saturday afternoon free.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/4/2015

    Visiting Chicago to try a burger seems silly to most, but if you're prepared to try one of the finest gourmet burgers and mouthwatering bacon that Chicago has to offer then you're in for a real treat.

    My boyfriend and I visited Au Cheval on a brisk Friday afternoon and there was a swarm of people waiting outside. Our estimated time was roughly an hour, but luckily they took down cell number and called when our table was ready. When we got our call we headed into the intimate space and sat at the bar. I didn't notice at first, but they have hooks underneath to hang your coat and/or purses.

    The menu was a bit confusing as a single cheeseburger ($10.95) actually has two patties and a double ($12.95) has three, but we managed. We wanted to have a wide spread of items to sample so we decided to split a double cheeseburger, and ordered bacon a la carte (5 slices for $8.95), and fries with a fried egg and Monray sauce.

    I'd pass on the fancy fries with the egg (I felt that the egg didn't really bring much to the dish), but I highly recommend ordering the fries as is and you DEFINITELY need to order the bacon on the side - that way you can fully appreciate the bacon's amazing-ness.

    The bacon at Au Cheval is probably the best bacon I've ever had. The crispy exterior and juicy fatty interior was balanced with the sweet maple syrup taste and fresh cracked pepper. My gawd, it was heavenly and lets not forget about the burger which was also extremely flavorful. The bun was lightly toasted and the cheese melted perfected onto the juicy patty. Mmmm...  

    Overall, a very successful trip and while tourists may not think to come pay Au Cheval a visit, it certainly should be a destination for foodies worldwide.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/7/2015
    3 check-ins

    The burger here lives up to the hype. I've been many times and will keep coming back despite the crazy wait time. It's worth it.

    The key is going in with the right expectations. You have to come early, put your name down and then go for drinks or go home and take a nap or something. This is not the type of place were you show up 7pm on a Saturday, already hungry and try and get a table for your group of six. There are plenty of bar options in the area for a couple pre-dinner drinks.

    I'm also so impressed with the staff here. They are so lovely. They could probably be awful and people would still come, but they aren't.... the service is great.

    I haven't tried anything else on the menu, but the brunch menu does look great. If I went for brunch, I'd probably just get a burger again. It's one of the best burgers I've ever had, and definitely my favorite in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/8/2015
    7 check-ins

    I've read the owner isn't big on Bon Appetit's declaration of Au Cheval having the "Best Burger in the World" (see link for Eater article) but I would like to say its one of the best burgers I've had and its not just because of the burger...

    ...it's also for the atmosphere and overall dining experience! Dimmed lights, closer seating arrangements and tunes that range from funk, synthetic pop, lounge and soul-hop make this diner feel like a modern day hub for "hip" in West Loop.

    If you're going to grab a seat, you should expect to wait for at least 30 mins but that's not necessarily a painful experience. Au Cheval has a pretty sound method to tackle the infamous "waiting for a table". Once they get your phone number, you're free to leave the restaurant until your table is ready, which is communicated by a series of personal text and not those awkward and at times confusing auto-generated messages - and that's something that's really appreciated!
    You're free to go an explore the West Loop until your meal is ready and there's quite a bit to see in the near couple block. Even if exploring isn't a thing for you, you can slide into a nearby restaurant or bar for a quick drink!

    Once you've received that text saying your table is ready, you'll walk into the hip atmosphere and have access to some of the best food and "down to earth" staff. If you can manage to sit at the bar - which highly recommend, you'll have a prime view of the chef-staff doing work on all of the orders. The staff can always make great recommendations but you should really go for the Cheeseburger if there's no dietary restrictions stopping you. The waiter / waitress will ask about food allergens and present the options for additional toppings (bacon or egg for the burger). Caution on ordering side items unless you're beyond hungry or splitting meals with someone as the cheeseburger itself will suffice.

    One note worthy item for the beer drinkers of the world - Last I checked, Au Cheval does serve Allagash Black which seems to be harder to find than Allagash White and with good reason - the flavor is far more of a milder spice that is very soothing and only adds to the hip atmosphere at Au Cheval!

    Resuming back to your meal - the food is usually served in a more than timely manner. Note that the burgers might get a bit messy but that's what keeps things interesting, right?

    All in all, Au Cheval offers a fairly simple menu with a delicious twist to almost every item on the menu in a hip environment. Does it have the best burger in the world - maybe, but it for sure offers one of the best dining experiences around a burger and that's a reason you should check it out!

    chicago.eater.com/2015/4…

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/4/2015

    Everyone is correct that they have REALLY good burgers.
    However, I don't think any food is worth waiting over 2.5 hours..
    In any case.. I really liked how when you reserve your seat, they text you when your table is ready, so you have free reign to walk around the neighborhood, grab an appetizer and drink elsewhere while you wait.
    I have seen numerous comments on here regardless the rude staff and host? I thought everyone was super friendly, very accommodating and on top of their game.
    Wishful thinking, but hopefully once small cheval hits bucktown, I'll be able to enjoy another one of these burgers without the huge wait!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/8/2015

    Really good. Not best burger in the country, good. Still it was a tasty double patty with really good bacon. Didn't go for the egg but we had that on the fries with melted gruyere. Also good drinks. The nice part is to combat the ridiculous wait times they let you give them your number so you can go get cheap great whiskey or beer across the street.

  • 1.0 star rating
    4/24/2015
    1 check-in

    PLZ READ BEFORE COMING HERE: ok this is the most overrated restaurant in chicago
    The place is extremely small like literly like a little room. The wait is crazy 3 hours!???????! I sat at the bar and ate because i aint waiting 3 hours. The service i hatted it they were either to busy talking with their coworkers or drinking not being helpful or nice i would never come here again even if it was for free foods okay best burger in chicago good joke!! Best burgers kumas corners wish i went to girl and the goat right next door!!!!!

    Bloody marry: it was horrible i was at the bar so i saw how he made it it was already premade so it was extremely old like it had a funky taste to it being that it was very old the fixings were horrible there just vegetables? Some were good though because it was a sweet pickling but just was the worst cocktail ive ever had in my life

    Bone marrow- this was the best thing here it was soo rich like omg so great then the bread is to die for supper toasty and buttery the marmalade was great! Such a great pairing the only problem was its to rich needs acid to cut the richness or a salad because its way to heavy

    fries with mornay sauce- the fries were really crispy but they needed salt and seasioning because they were bland the marnay sauce sucked it lacked good cheeze flavor it was jus okay didnt do anything the aioli was good but i had better aioli at tons of places. The egg didnt see a purpose to it really it wasnt seasoned just had chives on it

    The burger- the pattys are really thin didnt really have any flavour to them. The bun was falling apart. The condiments didnt add anything to it. The bacon was really good but it was really chewy so hard to eat lardons would be better all in all nothing special about it jus a normal burger u can get a cheaper better bigger burger at kumas corner

    All in all i wish i didnt come here biggiest disappoint saw it on check please so thats why i came this is a hipster spot for sure but not worth it at all to expensive wish i would have went to girl and the goat right next door

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/3/2015
    1 check-in

    The reviews complaining about the wait time are hilarious.  These are the same people that expect to roll up to Girl & the Goat at 6pm on a Saturday and be seated immediately.  Not going to happen.   They don't take reservations because they don't need to.  Want to plan your evening? Go somewhere else.

    So if you want to eat at Au Cheval without a three hour wait, you have to be smart about it.  When we go, one of us gets there real early (think 4:15ish) to get our name on the list.  The wait it usually about an hour at that point. Then you can go grab a beer at Lone Wolf (or do what we did, go sit and watch the dogs at the dog park at Adams & Peoria), and before you know it you're getting that text asking for your ETA 'cause your seat is ready!

    The people committed to standing around inside or outside are just dumb.  Go occupy yourself while you wait.

    The food here is outstanding, and while I haven't had enough burgers to know if its the best in the US, it's damn good.  Drinks are solid too, and if you aren't wanting to pay $12 for an old fashioned you can always get a $3 tallboy of Hamms (yes, Hamms).

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/10/2015
    2 check-ins

    I get it now. This place is something else and not just for their other-worldly burgers. I've been frequenting Randolph Street quite a bit this summer. Eating at Au Cheval almost felt like an obligation. I mean, I'm a lifetime Chicagoan, right? I've gotta eat this overly touted burger at least once, right?
     Most of the times we would pass by and ask the wait time just for fun. Three hours you say? Hmmm...maybe next time. Well, that next time finally came. We had a plan. Put our name down right as the place reopens for dinner. Well, in true fashion, our plan kinda failed. We didn't know bar stayed open from 3-5pm, and that people would be putting their name down on the list before dinner service started. At 4:30 we stood in line to talk to the host, or as I like to call him, the guardian of the burger gates.
      We ended up with a 2.5hr wait. Ok, that's doable. We walked around Randolph Street and actually ate and drank at a few other places because we are true foodies. Even had a doughnut. Good news was that the wait was only a bit over 1.5hrs. Sitting down felt soooo good. The ambience is so understatedly cool. It's like eating in a hallway, but in the hallway of the backstage to a rock concert. We ordered some drinks to start. I had the Hemingway Daiquiri. Best. Drink. Of my life. Of course both of us ordered the double burger (3 patties) with bacon and an egg. We split the fries with aioli sauce.
      The burger was of course amazing. Best burger of my life? Not sure. Definitely top 3. I was amazed they cooked those thin patties to medium. The melty gooey Kraft cheese works so well. Best. Bacon. Of my life. The fries were delicious. Service was great.
     We did it. We conquered Au Cheval and the famed burger. 3 days later we conquered it again. No joke. That time we stopped in later  around 10:30pm and after 15min was able to grab a seat at the bar and eat. Score. Once I get out of my burger coma, I'll probably come back for the chicken and bone marrow. And dat bacon and daiquiri.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/18/2015

    Looking for the best burger in Chicago...nay America? Then this is the place to go and Food Network agrees! All I can say is OMG. No matter how many times I visit this place, it does not disappoint. Most burger places tout the best burger because of the creative toppings. However, what people fail to realize is that if you get the basics right, the burger will be amazing. The patties here are seasoned perfectly and topped with just the right amount of cheese. If you choose, you can add a delicious and thick slab (yes slab) of pepper bacon.

    Also addicting are their fries with garlic aioli. If you add a fried egg to the fries, it takes them to a whole other level of deliciousness.

    The key piece of advice I would offer is don't go when you actually want to eat because they don't take reservations and the wait can range from 1 to 4 hours. I would recommend putting your name in a couple hours before you are actually ready to eat and grab a drink around the area. Also, this place is small so if you have parties more than 5 people,  be prepared to sit separately. Either way,  it is soooooooooo worth it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/9/2015
    1 check-in

    When I Chicago I got a ton of recommendations to try this place out - and the burger definitely did not disappoint. I was quoted a 45 minute wait (they take your number so you can wander and be texted when your table is ready) but got seated in 30.

    The burger was just as amazing as you've heard, the service unfortunately was not awesome. They forgot the egg on my burger (a must) and instead of taking it back to add it or remake, they had me wait and brought one out separately 5 minutes later. A bit of a bummer but the fact that the burger was out of this world good more than made up for it. Except to leave in a food coma. :)

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/23/2015

    Went in the evening and the wait time was over an hour long for a party of two. FYI: Larger parties are hard to seat here. We roamed around Randolph street exploring as this restaurant has a texting waiting list ensuring that no one gets skipped as they send a notification when your table is ready. With that said, we most certainly were skipped and upon returning and checking in with the frazzled host, I took a peek at the hardcopy paper and noticed other parties of two were seated before us... not cool.

    Regardless, we were finally seated in a comfy booth and determined the food was worth the wait. We ordered what our friends hyped up: thick bacon-sunnysideupegg-cheeseburger, fries and off the menu mille-feuille Napoleon dessert.

    Read an article saying that Au Cheval is ranked #2 best gourmet burger in the U.S. Needless to say, we recommend this restaurant as we went back for more delicious food!

    The second time we decided to go, we went for lunch during a week day. Zero wait time!

    On a different note, there's one bathroom for girls and one for boys.... small restaurant with no waiting area except outdoors, open kitchen with bar stools, dim lighting for ambiance, Chicago pay-to-park spots unless you're super lucky and get a freebie spot a couple blocks down.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/10/2015
    1 check-in

    I came here for lunch, and quite enjoyed the small venue with a very unique blend of classic settings and hipster music. Food is good: I had that burger with eggs (optional), which I was completely satisfied with. I sat on the bar and watched the cooks making food with rhythm, as the music was playing in the background - quite enjoyable to observe while waiting on your food.

    I can understand why it would be hard to get a seat at other time than late lunch or late night, since it's such a small restaurant. But if you have a chance, definitely try out one of their burgers, it's worth it.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    5/1/2015

    A MILLION STARS plain and simple. Au Cheval has been around for quite some time and the fact you will still wait up to 3 hours on a weekend night speaks volumes to its amazingness! There's just too many words to be said about this masterpiece. First and foremost...KILLER food. It's unreal. Save yourself any trouble and order the burger. There is nothing else that comes close to this burger in all of Chicago. Secondly, TRENDY. Yes you will wait, and yes it's worth it. It's situated on the most popular street so there is no shortage of places to go have a couple of drinks while you wait.

    I'm keeping this review short to add to the allure of Au Cheval...basically it's the see and be seen in Chicago. Don't miss it! ;)

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/18/2015

    I have been here on various occasions and each time the wait is dreadful, but once you sink your teeth in that burger, you would be thankful you were patient.

    My recommendation is go during brunch which is 11am-3pm on Saturday and opens an hour earlier on Sundays. Why brunch you ask? Because they serve their infamous burger and you can get an order of their awesome bacon but without such a crazy wait time. I find it that you get more bang for your buck if you order the bacon as a dish versus on your burger because 1. You get more pieces and 2. Who doesn't want more bacon? Drop a couple of that goodness on your burger and proceed to devour. What I like about the bacon is the pepperiness is subtle and the melt in your mouth texture leaves you with pure bliss with each bite. Besides the bacon, you can take your burger even further by adding an egg. Beware, it can get a little messy, but you don't want to be that person in the restaurant looking over at the other table regretting you didn't get the egg too. Trust me.

    To pair my burger during brunch, instead of a side of fries, I got a side of hash brown. You get your starch, but breakfast style instead. I figured you can mix it up, but do as your stomach desires.

    On the side note, if you ever go for lunch/dinner and you like bone marrow, then its a no brainer. Order asap!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/27/2015

    Hands down one of the best burgers I've ever had. The burger itself was perfectly seasoned while the egg and thick cut bacon pulled it all together perfectly. (Tip: remember to ask to add the bacon and egg, they won't ask you if you want it)

    Also THE FRIES!! Amazing. I recommend splitting them with one person because a lot of them come in one order and with a size of a delicious garlic aioli sauce.

    Although they told us it would be a 2.5 hour wait for dinner on a Thursday, we ended up only waiting one hour. They text you when the tables ready so you're able to leave and grab a drink at one of the bars nearby while you wait.

    Highly recommend!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/12/2015

    Au Cheval's burger lived up to the hype! It was simply delicious. Seasoned well and cooked to a medium in temperature this burger is immediately in my top five of all time!

    The bun was so soft and tasty but firm enough to handle the over easy egg, bacon, cheese & burger. The bacon was a treat on its own. That had to be the best slice of American cheese in the WORLD! Lol

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/29/2015
    1 check-in

    Be prepared to wait when you come here. There is an average wait time of 2 1/2 hours. The kitchen closes at 3 PM to 5 PM. The bar remains open during these hours. We stayed and had a couple drinks and just waited for the kitchen to reopen. We started with the bone marrow and beef marmalade. It was really good but needed a tad more salt on the bone marrow. The beef marmalade was the best part of the whole thing. These burgers are very rich. The bacon is not like your average bacon on a burger, it's an actual slab of thick bacon. The single patty was just enough for me because of the bacon. I got the fries with gravy and an egg on top, it was good, I didn't find it special. The bloody Mary was very tasty. One of the best I've had. This place is pretty pricey. I spent about $120 for burgers and drinks. The bone marrow runs about $20. By the end of the meal I couldn't walk anymore. I had to take a bus back down to my hotel. Overall, great but if I didn't wait at the bar while the kitchen was closed I would have never waited the 2 to 3 hour wait. Super heavy food. If you're on a diet, don't bother coming here. They also play awesome music.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/9/2015

    Known for the best burger in America and let me tell you, it was!

    My boyfriend and I got there on a Saturday night around 10:40. We were told the wait was going to be 45-60 min and will get a text, while wasting time, by around 11:20, we didn't get a text but decided to go back in anyways. We ended up getting seated. I got a single cheeseburger with a fried egg and it was delicious! We also got a side of fries with an egg on top, even better! It was definitely worth the wait and I would go back!

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/27/2015

    I came here having high hopes because everyone hyped this place up so much but like overhyped places, it didn't reach my expectations. I felt like the food was pretty average.

    I had the burger that everyone said you MUST try and it was just really basic. I thought it would have been tastier. I mean don't get me wrong it was pretty juicy. Who wouldn't like a juicy burger right? But like I said, it was so simple. We also had the bone marrow which was more satisfying in taste so I do recommend people getting that.

    This place seem to ALWAYS be busy. We came around 1 PM & there was already a line. I personally wouldn't wait over an out for this joint.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/4/2015
    1 check-in

    Well, after waiting an hour and a half for a table on a Monday night, I really had high hopes for the food I was about to receive & I was not disappointed!

    I started with the Hemingway daiquiri which was pretty tasty. Not too sweet, not too sour. It really had the perfect flavor.

    For our appetizer, we had the chopped chicken liver with salted butter & toast. Uh, what the hell?! This was so delicious, you could have just eaten the butter by itself. Definitely a must try! Seriously, I am craving it just thinking about it.

    I really had a few ideas in mind for dinner but my husband said the cheeseburger was the way to go... so I had the single cheeseburger (which is actually a double) with peppered bacon and egg. Um.. Yes! Absolutely fantastic! Perfectly cooked and incredible flavor.

    The hubs had the fried house made bologna sandwich & of course I had to take a bite or two. It was a very good bologna sandwich, but slightly too garlicy (& I love me some garlic) for my taste. My husband loved it though & because it was his meal that's all that matters.

    I seriously cannot wait to go back!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/10/2015
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chicago

    Au cheval serves one of the best burgers in Chicago, hands down. My friend, who is a foodie based in Chicago suggested that if there's a place to check out for burger, Au Cheval is THE place to be. True enough, the burger here changed my life, literally.

    I was here on a Saturday night and it was very pack. Lucky me, I was alone and could grab any of those 6 free seating at the bar. That being said, I did wait for almost 2 hours before I could sit down and eat. If you come with a party of 2 onwards and without any reservation, be prepared to wait at least 3 - 4 hours and the hostess would suggest you to go to the bar nearby, grab a drink and they'll call when the table is ready.  It's that crazy.

    I ordered the open sandwich burger - their signature burger with fried egg and bacon. The beef patty was really good - juicy and flavorful and the bun that hold the patty was not soggy at all. I am very particular when it comes to burger and the bun has to be crispy and not soggy and soaked in butter / oil.  On top of the beef patty sat 3 huge pieces of bacon that were slightly seasoned with black pepper. I mingled around and got to know most of the people are regulars to Au Cheval and some are locals that had heard about the place through word of mouth from their friends or colleagues. One couple was kind enough to buy me a drink while we chat how we got to know about this place and where we come from.

    Besides burger, I had thick cut fries and root beer to complete the meal. The root beer is another signature drink that you have to try served in an old school mug. If im back in Chicago again, I would definitely come back again even though there could be other burger joint in the city that could rival them. A solid 5 star for this place.
    p/s: It could be slightly far to walk from the city and it's bloody cold at night, so grab a cab. It's just a short 5-10 mins ride.  

    In total, I paid $28 for a burger, fries and a root beer. I had another free cider all thanks to the kind couple!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/10/2015

    I had been meaning to go here for a while with my friends so when we finally went, of course the wait was three hours.  We decided to go for it.  Why not, really?  We sat at Three Floyd's next door and ate a minimal amount of food there and drank beer, saving our stomachs for the burgers.

    After three and a half hours, having not been texted saying our table was ready, we went in to ask about our table and it turned out they'd written down my friend's number incorrectly!  We almost lost our table!  Thankfully, they seated us right away.  It is SO dark in there in the evenings.  I guess that adds to the aura?  I couldn't see my food very well.

    We got fries, smashed potatoes, and, of course, BURGERS.

    -The fries were probably my favorite part, honestly.  Perfectly crispy and greasy and salted, served the fun way (in a paper cone!), and accented with a side of special sauce/ aioli/ the greatest sauce on the planet.  I asked for two extra sides of it.  That was almost enough to satisfy me.  Also, we initially ordered four orders of fries (one for each of us) but our waiter suggested we drop down to two, saying that was a lot.  I honestly just have a lot of respect for any server who doesn't prioritize making the bill as large as possible and actually helps to inform the customers of what would be an ideal serving size/ order amount.  
    -Smashed potatoes with garlic gravy - why are these called smashed potatoes?  They're mashed potatoes.  Believe it or not, there's a big difference.  Still, they were delicious - buttery, creamy, and the flavor of the gravy was spot on.
    -Single burger - ...do I really need to say anything about this?  The burger was delicious, the egg and bacon on top were GREAT (the bacon is so thick and perfect!!).  My only complaint was that it fell apart (makes sense for a huge, soggy burger) and the restaurant was so dark, I had trouble finding the fallout on my plate.  

    Unsure my stomach can ever handle eating here again, but the whole experience, including the wait, was uniquely Chicago and a lot of fun.  I'd recommend going at least once :).

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/22/2015
    1 check-in

    The single cheeseburger (really a double) is in my top 3 favorite burgers of all time.  Cannot wait to come back

    Side tip:  wait times for tables are super long... so try for a seat at the bar

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/3/2015

    Two words: BURGER PORN. Such ooey, gooey drippy madness. Got there 25 minutes before they opened and had to wait another 45 minutes no big deal. Absolutely stunning burger. Those fries, tho. That garlic aoli! Heaven!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/12/2015
    1 check-in

    Came here at 11pm on a Tuesday; it was a couple minutes wait for a seat at the counter. I had the cheeseburger with bacon, though I wish I had gotten the fried egg on top too (next time!). It was very delicious, greasy, good.

    I've heard about the lines and glad I didn't go during regular dinner hours--it's a small place.

    I'll go back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/11/2015 Updated review

    Better experience second time around. Came here on Tuesday around 630pm and had an hour to hour 30 wait. We figured this would happen so we walked over to Lone Wolf for beers outside.

    We got paged within the hour and showed up five minutes later but had to wait another 20 minutes outside the restaurant. It was a nice night out so not too bad.

    Once seated, we felt the hustle inside. Our server was nice and worked fast. We got the chicken liver app and then I had a single (which is actually a double!!!) and my fiancé got a double (which is actually a TRIPLE). All the food was good. We were stuffed and needed the walk home.

    I still believe they should take some reservations just to accommodate customers and make it easier for us to plan our evenings. They don't need to given turnover is nonstop but it would be nice for us!

    2.0 star rating
    9/22/2014 Previous review
    I'll make this quick. Three hour wait on Saturday at 6pm. Rude, rushed service. Foie gras appetizer… Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    A potential three hour wait for a $22 adult version of a Big Mac meal (overdone Sysco patties with Kraft cheese on a highly-processed sponge bun.)

    Here's how they keep up the hype:
    1. Downplayed actual wait time. You will get an estimated wait time of roughly 2 hours+. At that time, you will wait more.  After that, they will text you, at which point you have 10 minutes to check-in or forfeit your hard-earned spot.  Upon check-in you will be told that your table is almost ready, so you will wait more time before actually sitting.  This is not including the standard wait time for your server and the actual food.
    2. Snooty add-ons that offset the shoddy quality of the actual burger.  $3.50 for sugar-coated thick bacon add-on. $9 foie gras.
    3. Faux cool-kid environment. Loud music. Small reclaimed interior. Punkish staff.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/3/2015

    Crazy good burger!   Can't wait to go back.

    Went for link and the wait was not a bad as we expected.  We all got burgers and everyone loved them.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/30/2015 Updated review
    2 check-ins

    Went back for dinner and again left feeling like I was in food euphoria. My friends and I once again got the crispy fries w/ mornay sauce and bone marrow, and once again we were not let down. New additions to our dining experience included:

    -Chopped chicken liver, salted butter, and toast: this was pure heaven. The liver was delicious and had nice big chunks (think a rough ground beef). I am definitely ordering this again every time I come back to Au Cheval

    -Double cheeseburger w/ fried egg and thick cut peppered bacon: I made the fatal mistake of not ordering this my 1st time here (and instead trying bites of my friend's), and I would not make that mistake again. As stated in my previous review, this burger is life-changing. Bread: perfect. Patties: awesome. Bacon: thick. Egg: beautiful. Overall: AH-MAY-ZING. I like to think I have a pretty big appetite and can finish most dishes, but this double cheeseburger was definitely a struggle to eat. I'd say go for the single cheeseburger (if you're getting it w/ bacon and the egg) and that will leave you feeling full; the double cheeseburger (again, w/ bacon and the egg) will leave you feeling STUFFED (but in a good, lemme-unbutton-my-pants-I'm-so-happy way, not a gross way). Either way, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE BURGER (preferably w/ bacon and the fried egg)

    The servers here know their beer. I had the saisonnière last time per our server's recommendation, and that was great. Tonight, I was in the mood for an IPA and our server recommended the heyoka ipa, which was on point.

    I told myself that while I'm in Chicago, I'm only going to eat at each food establishment once (so that I can experience as many restaurants as possible), but amazing food places like Au Cheval are making that impossible. I'm not complaining, though - keep up the awesomeness, Au Cheval!

    5.0 star rating
    3/15/2015 Previous review
    Au Cheval has been on my list of places to try for a while. Some friends and I got off work early… Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    7/27/2015

    Sorry to disappoint, but we were totally underwhelmed by their burgers...
    Service was so-so. Seems they were mostly pushing alcoholic beverages (maybe if we had ceded to their entreaties, the burgers might have tasted better?).
    Not much else to say about the place --- sorry for low rating, but description per Yelp is "Meh. I've experienced better", which is very much how we felt.
    Not judging on much else than burgers (I can't even remember much about fries), but that was the hyped food there so didn't feel we had to explore more.
    For comparison purposes, on the same street we much prefer Grange Hall's burgers (still not in our top list though).

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/11/2015
    1 check-in

    Au Cheval was admittedly the most impromptu visit during our trip to Chicago, a serendipitous discovery brought about by a less-than-satisfactory meal at Girl & The Goat. Thankfully, Au Cheval was right across the street and thanks to the late hour, we were quickly greeted and seated at a booth.This diner/bar is already considered a city institution, despite the fact that it opened relatively recently in 2012. Its name, taken literally, translates to "on horseback" in French; at least as it relates to food, it indicates that there's an accompanying fried egg to a dish.

    There's nothing pretentious about Au Cheval, except for, perhaps, the inevitable lengthy waits to get in during prime dinner and drinking hours. There's a row of counter seats where guests can grab a drink and watch the staff cook up an array of dishes, a few two-tops, and a handful of spacious booth seats against the wall. It's not the place to bring someone to in an attempt to impress [1], but it makes it the perfect place to visit when all you need is some good food, a drink, or both. Late at night, it borders on dive bar-esque, with dim lighting and blaring music.

    Although I'd insisted on ordering just one plate to share, considering that it was our second dinner, we ended up going with two. First to arrive was the Crispy Potato Hash with Duck Heart Gravy, a hearty portion of crisp-crunchy shredded potatoes with a thick onion-based gravy, topped with a perfect fried egg and a sprinkling of chives. It's an impressive starting plate, best when shared amongst a group of people, as the combination of ingredients gets pretty heavy several bites in. The gravy wasn't too overwhelming, with a faint metallic tang that added a notable richness to the gravy.

    Of course, we had to try one of Au Cheval's signature burgers as well, and the Single Cheeseburger (which is actually served with two patties, despite what its name entails) was yet another success, consisting of a four ounce prime(!) blend cooked to a medium, sandwiched between a soft bun and a layer of pickels, onions, dijonnaise, and a melted slice of cheese. Just like the venue, the burger is simple, no-frills, but expertly done, hitting all the right notes, especially with the addition of a runny fried egg.

    What more do I need to say? A low-key environment, tasty food that's perfect after a night of drinking, and a more than reasonable price point has to be a win in any book. Come earlier or later in the evening to avoid the lines, if possible, but regardless, Au Cheval is certainly worth the wait.

    --
    [1] Unless, of course, your partner's priorities are clearly in line.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/3/2015

    My favorite restaurant in Chicago. Hands down. Every bit is amazing. This is the place of my dreams...

    And they have more on the menu that is phenomenal than just the burger. I promise.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/30/2015
    1 check-in

    I'd heard about the 2-hour (or more) waits in the evening, so I showed up a bit after opening -- and still had to wait like 45 minutes. It's a very unpretentious setting, and the menu and servers are similarly, pleasantly, unpretentious.

    The first food section on the menu had fried chicken, and it sounded delicious -- which I mentioned sort of in passing, as a joke, because obviously we weren't there for fried chicken. But my friend liked the thought, and we decided to split that and a burger -- good move it was. Our fried chicken was the envy of the restaurant (or at least a few people seated near us who saw it). It was also maybe 6 pieces, and honestly would have been enough food. The sauce is excellent, and the frying alone would have been enough -- it was expertly done, and of a nice consistency. We also got a double cheese burger, which apparently means double cheese and actually 3 burger patties. The burger patties are thin, which was interesting in the day of the thick, meaty burger. They let us get an egg on the side. The bacon is of the thick, really hammy, not crispy variety. The smashed potatoes weren't what I've come to think of as smashed potatoes, and were actually mashed potatoes -- and were delicious, with gravy and a clove of garlic floating in the middle of the gravy.

    The beer selection wasn't huge, at least on tap, but they had some nice choices in a variety of styles.

    The food came quickly, but we didn't feel rushed at all, despite the fact that I'm sure there was a wait. They were very attentive about clearing dishes and refilling water.

    There's bike parking outside, but you may have to look around a bit because it all seems to be full when I've been in the area.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/8/2015

    We took advantage of our Chicago Staycation and went to Au Cheval on a summer Monday, at around 1:30pm. Worth mentioning, it was 2 days after they were named Best Burger in the country. Figured that would be about the shortest wait time we could get! The host told us it would be around an hour and a half for a table (not bar stools) for 2. Luckily one of us lives just across the highway from the restaurant so we went back there to relax. They told us they would text us when our table was almost ready. About an hour later, we got a text saying our table was ready and we let them know we would be there in 5-10 minutes. Hint: They really like you responding with a Yes/No you are coming and ETA.  

    As soon as we walked in, we were seated. We ordered iced tea and coke, and perused the menu. We ordered the double cheeseburger (added bacon) and the bratwurst with plans to split both. The food was truly phenomenal. The burger was about as good as it gets. Perfect combination of flavors and complexity while being an all around solid burger. The bratwurst melted in your mouth and was perfect with the garlic mashed potatoes and gravy. I've been having dreams about this meal. Total was around $50 (no alcohol).

    If you go, plan to wait, but it's worth it. Try off peak times like mid-week late lunch.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/22/2015

    I really like this place.  Yeah, the wait can be long, but if you go at the right time, it's not too bad.  I've been a few times.  

    The first time, we just sat at the bar, asked for cocktail recommendations based on what we usually like, and the bartender blew us away with some fantastic bourbon cocktails.  Then, I even refined what I liked, asking for something even less sweet.  I was then served the best cocktail I've had in my life.  I hate the word "mixologist," but dang, these folks were professional mixologists and likely some of the best out there.

    Another time I went for dinner with my parents.  We were seated quickly.  We ordered some things to share and the food was fantastic.  We were even more impressed when the house red wine was so affordable, which kept the price of our entire dinner down.

    I now live in San Diego, and every time a friend from here goes to Chicago for a visit, I recommend Au Cheval for a bit of that fantastic Chicago food done really well without all the fuss of one of the bigger names.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/9/2015

    We have been both before and after all of the hype. The burger is solid, but nothing Im consistently craving. Definitely a great quality burger option, but there are many, many burgers I would preference over this one. And not a chance I will ever wait for three hours again for this; it's just not worth all of that. I'm excited for Small Cheval to open in Wicker Park to see what that's all about!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/10/2015
    1 check-in

    I came to Au Cheval because I heard about their awesome burger. So that is exactly what I ordered.

    The burger came quickly. I added egg and bacon to my burger which made it more expensive. The burger meat was very quality and you could tell that it was not frozen. Very fresh! The egg complemented the burger well. I did not enjoy the bacon as much. It was thick cut bacon. I thought that it added unnecessary grease to the burger and I will not add bacon next time.

    The servers were really helpful and kind. This is a popular place so make sure you get their early! If I am ever in the area again, I will definitely pay Au Cheval a visit!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/9/2015

    Best burger of my life.
    They don't take reservations and you should expect to wait hours, especially during peak times. Protip: go before you're actually hungry, put your name in and explore the area before dinner. They'll text you when your table is ready. The burger is actually a double, the double is actually a triple - try it with the egg, bacon, and truffle fries. The matzah ball soup is also yum!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/10/2015
    1 check-in

    You know a place will be good if they have a separate "with eggs" section on their menu. Expect a wait anytime after 4pm. If you're wanting to get a taste of what has been deemed Chicago's best burger, then it's probably worth the wait.

    Unfortunately, the burgers (oddly put under "sandwiches" on their menu) here do not come with fries. Which means, you must order them as a starter and with a fried farm egg. Crispy, well-seasoned, and pipin' hot! Along with the fries, I suggest wetting the pallet with general jane's (who dat?) crispy honey-fried chicken. Sweet, tangy, and quite tender.

    In addition to the confusion caused by being under "sandwiches" on their menu, the cheeseburgers are double what the name suggests: "single" means double patties, and "double" means quadruple patties. I suggest the former, for both your arteries sake as well as a balanced meat-to-bread ratio. The cheeseburger meat is cooked quite perfectly to a medium-rare, and not over-mashed, which has a meaty consistency in texture. Well-seasoned and tasty, yet very simple. The simplicity allows the burger to bring out it's basic and main ingredients in a very clear way so that you appreciate all that is has to offer. As if that wasn't eggcellent enough, the fried and runny egg surely finishes the burger quite well.

    Overall, great burgers, worth the wait only if you're a burger enthusiast and feel like you must try for yourself what the hype is about.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/26/2015

    I never thought I'd use the words "velvety" or "creamy" to describe a cheeseburger, but here I am trying to write a review and all I can think about is how perfect and almost soft this cheeseburger felt in my mouth. Cheeseburger mouth feel is apparently a thing I care about now.

    Mad respect for a place that knows their burger is so good and their ground beef is so trustworthy that they don't have to ask you how you want it cooked because they know it's best when they serve it medium well.

    French fries cooked in pork fat. I'll never go back to non-pork fat fries ever again.

    Pretty good selection of beers. Weirdly overpriced selection of liquors, including a rye whiskey that's considered well whiskey in Austin but is apparently worth $9 a serving in Chicago.

    Expect to wait. We went on a Saturday, got there by 11, and were told it was an hour and a half wait for a table. Lucky for us, we'd already purchased admission to Randolph Street Market (15 minute walk down Randolph St. if you're a fast walker) so we had no problem filling the time, but there seem to be only other restaurants in the area so I don't know what we would've done if we hadn't had the market to go to.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/19/2015

    Let's get this out of the way, early, it's the best damn burger I've ever had, anywhere. Yes, anywhere. Get it with the fried egg and bacon. The old fashioned is solid and not insanely priced. Good beer selection. The fries, as many have said, are, awesome. The aioli is really something else. So why 3 stars, only? Because, everything else sucks. The place only seats roughly 50 people. It's a small bar area. The hostesses are downright mean. There's no other way to describe it. You constantly feel like you're just doing the wrong thing. "sir, you can't stand there. sir, you can't sit there. sir, you can't..." The people working there are simply jerks. Get over yourself. Your a pseudo diner, catering to a hipster crowd. Tilt your nose down already. If they didn't have that burger, this place would rate 3 stars and below for everyone.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/27/2015
    1 check-in

    Don't let anyone tell you this burger isn't worth the wait, WOW! I would eat it every week.I highly recommend being there at EXACTLY 4:40 to ensure you don't have to wait or coming at about 11PM because otherwise you will have at least a 2 hour wait and be drinking across the street at Haymarket.

    Order the burger with the egg, bacon and cheese as recommended and get some fries. You will never forget it and be back for more soon.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/30/2015

    Get there early. This place will be packed. However, it's hands down worth the wait. I've had burgers all over and by far this is now my favorite. Food Network wasn't kidding when they claimed it as the best burger in America. It's delicious, mouth watering, juicy, flavorful, and extremely filling. You could get the single (ahem, double) or double (er, triple) burger and be set--but you'd be missing out on their delicious fries with garlic aioli. GET THE BURGER WITH BACON AND A FRIED EGG ON TOP. If you don't, well then that's just silly of you. You're missing out on the full experience.

    Everything was tremendous. I was in Chicago for a 5 day trip and had to convince myself not to go back for a second time as it would be unfair to the rest of the food in Chicago. It was a struggle, and I still wish I went back. I'm going to book a one day flight right now just to go back again.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/23/2015
    1 check-in

    Cozy, trendy diner. My bf and I ordered the fries served with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and a fried egg to share. They were delicious! I would highly recommend those fries. I ordered the omelette du jour which was very rich and flavorful. I couldn't finish the entire thing because it was so rich. The oyster mushrooms in my omelette were amazing. My bf ordered a bacon burger and he seemed to enjoy it.

    I would have given Au Cheval 5 out of 5 but their music was so loud and distracting. I wasn't expecting that. Also, the sound system was rattling and the music didn't even sound clear.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/17/2015
    1 check-in
    Listed in Burger Time

    Headed over to the West Loop on a Saturday night with a strict plan to eat at Au Cheval, no matter the wait. Quite daunting to walk in there on a Saturday and see JUST how small the restaurant is. We were quoted 2 and a half hours and headed next door to Lone Wolf to have a few drinks. Fortunately, I received a text an hour and a half after we had put our name in to say a table would be ready in a few minutes. We were seated right at the edge of the bar, which is not a very desirable location, but we weren't in the mood to wait any longer. Sitting at the bar, as it turns out, is pretty awesome. Watching the process of Au Cheval's cooks churning out dishes at lightning speed is wildly entertaining.

    If you haven't gotten this impression already, Au Cheval is not the place for a long, romantic dinner where you make friends with your server. Although our waiter was attentive, he wasn't there to chitchat and took our drink order right away. I went with an Old Fashioned that I really enjoyed, the boyfriend also had a tasty whiskey drink. We started with the bread and butter pickles which were a great way to curb our hunger. As Au Cheval virgins, what else do you think we ordered for dinner? Burgers. With bacon. And egg. Deeeelicious. The single is more than enough food for your average hungry human, but the boyfriend devoured his double, so it's certainly possible to conquer. Highly recommend the fries as a side to your burger. Crisp fries plus mornay plus garlic aioli AND an egg rounds out your heart-stoppingly rich meal incredibly well.

    Prior to eating at Au Cheval, I wondered if the positive reviews stemmed from the fact that you inevitably arrive drunk after consuming cocktails during your wildly long wait. (Who doesn't like a cheeseburger and other greasy items after they've been drinking? However, I can attest that the food is fantastic and artfully made. Overall, Au Cheval is certainly an experience and I highly recommend a visit. Is it diner prices or anything else you expect from a diner? No, but you're in a West Loop restaurant manned by one of the top restaurateurs in the city. So drink your whiskey, eat your burger, and be happy about it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/1/2015

    We came here because Food Network said it was the best burger in the USA. OK, they were not exaggerating. #bestburgerever.
    Three parties, cheese, pork belly, fried egg and pickles. You have to get here! Wow.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/1/2015

    Came here for a drink and immediately fell in love. Food looks amazing we sat at the bar so we saw everything and if we hadn't just ate I would have crushed some of EVERYTHING.  GREAT atmosphere and Great music (old school rap) and bacon.  Definitely comin back to this cook lil diner

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/24/2015
    1 check-in

    the Bad:
    -the 1 hr wait on a Monday night at 7pm. Even after we received the text message, there was another 15 minute wait to get seated.
    -no reservations taken (cuz they are supposed to be just a diner)
    - the diner is small and the booth seats aren't too roomy either. Only 4 people can sit close together or maybe 6 anorexic girls!

    the Good:
    - the 1 hr wait. I hear it's over 2 hrs on a weekend. I can't rationalize waiting that long for this place.
    - Our birthday girl gave this place 2 thumbs up
    - General Jane's Chicken had just the right crisp and spicy-sweet kick and keeps you wanting more. (ask for a spoon to scoop some sauce on the chicken)
    - single cheese burger - I won't say this was the best burger ever encountered. It's a decent burger and easy to share. We added a bacon and egg. Their bacon is phenomenal (thick slice and sweet and peppery goodness...mmm). I could do without the egg next time ...if there is a next time
    - we got fries with monray sauce (a white sauce with cheese essentially). the garlic aioli was delish. this is passable.

    Service was friendly. I don't suggest coming here with a group more than 4 people.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/29/2015 Updated review
    1 check-in

    I feel that the service could have been better tonight. Our main waiter is excellent. It's  another waiter/busboy that was around. He is not happy with us. Grouchy. When we ask him to reheat one of our item, he didn't like it and ask our waiter to do it. In the end, when he clean up our table he spill the plates content on me!!! Wth. If you don't like your job. Quit. When we talk to the manager about what happen he knew who we were talking about right away! Does this bus boy do this kind of thing to customers often???

    5.0 star rating
    3/1/2015 Previous review
    Highly recommend this spot. Food is awesome! We start out with fries and it was amazing!!! If the… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    7/21/2015

    Crazy yummy food.  Four gras and eggs are awesome and the best burger that I have tried in Chicago yet.

    My only real complaint is that they don't take reservations and the wait times can be relatively insane, particularly on the weekend.  All of the bar seats run long waiting lists too, so you have to get on the list, then head down the street to get a drink while you wait.

    Very good food, but you are sort of signing up for 3+ hours of waiting and eating if you go.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/18/2015
    1 check-in

    We were told we had to eat a burger here by the friends we were staying with. One of them even proclaimed Au Cheval has the best burger he's ever had.

    Got here and was told it would be a 1.5 hour wait so I already felt that oh this place is soo good that it has a long wait. 1.5 hours later we head in to get our table. Walk in and hear some amazing hip-hop playing over the speakers and this place feels like an old school bar meets diner. Bar seating that gives you a front row seat to the grill and booths with leather seats and wooden tables with chairs. I was sold on that this is a  seasoned establishment in the area.

    Started off with the bone marrow - 4 large bones, 4 pieces of toast, and a meat jam (think beef stew meat meets sloppy joe sauce). So rich with every single bite of the toast/marrow.

    Followed that up with the honey fried chicken. Amazing! Sweet with a little heat and sesame seeds to add to the flavor. They provide fresh wet towels to wipe your fingers afterwards.

    Finally. We get to the burger and fries. The fries were crispy and yolky once we broke the egg of course. The two sauces they provided were garlic aioli and gravy for the fries. FYI the names for the cheeseburger on the single has 2 patties and the double has 3 patties. We ordered doubles until our waiter told us about this. The burgers were amazing. The first bite was sooo rich. Thankfully I also added their thick cut pepper bacon to it which made it so much better. I've become a fan of thick cut cause it adds a lot more flavor to the bacon.

    This place is definitely worth the wait and make sure to get there early to beat the dinner/weekend rush.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/26/2015

    Even in Texas, I had heard of the famed Au Cheval burger from a variety of sources. It was therefore a mandatory itinerary item on our Chicago foodcation.

    We were warned of a wait, but 3.5 hours for any food is ridiculous (even for BBQ in my book). Nevertheless, we braved it out with a pre-dinner at Little Goat and a stroll through Whole Foods.

    We were finally seated around 10pm and ordered the single cheeseburger and the crispy fries, With all the hype, I was expecting a burger better than I could even imagine, and, probably not unexpectedly, it fell quite short of expectations. It was definitely a good burger, but not 3+ hour wait and $11 good. Best classified as a fancied-up version of a greasy spoon burger, the burger had two thin patties that were flavorful and juicy when fresh, but that dried out quickly during the break I took in-between bites to eat some fries. I'd rank the burger somewhere around the enjoyment level of Shake Shack and Smashburger but with slightly better bread.

    The crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and farm fresh egg were delicious--well, they were delicious with the garlic aioli. The mild mornay sauce remained largely untouched.

    The restaurant itself was cozy and dark and had a great ambiance. The service was courteous but rushed.

    This was probably one of our more disappointing meals in the city, but I was glad to have experienced the hype for myself.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    8/12/2015

    Burgers are to die for and the truffle fries are amazing! If you're a burger lover, you MUST try it!

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/15/2015

    Not deserving of all the hype.  
    Pattie was over greasy and had no flavor. Must be the quality of the meat or simply the factory style set up to cook all the food because of the high demand (may cause then to suffer with the integrity of their recipe).  Ambience is awesome.  Service awesome.  Brew selection stellar.  But the burger is of Boutique Fast Food chains style.  I'll go back once the media frenzy fizzles and get me another burger.  But the bacon was perfection + they have real chefs (demonstrated by the super fried egg that came out on the burger) so I know they can make a better burger.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/16/2015
    2 check-ins

    I came on a Friday night around 6pm thinking the wait maybe 1 to 1 1/2 hr wait at most since their kitchen just opened at 5pm. I was shocked when the host took down my name and said it'll be 3 1/2 to 4 hrs. wait. I was in disbelief. At this point, that means 10pm. Apparently, ppl get there at around 3pm and sit at the bar to wait until they take names. The host said they filled up their tables to 9pm even before it was 5pm.

    I've dined here for lunch a couple times before, and it was never this cray. So I had no idea it was this insane. My friends came in from the burbs to try this place, and insisted on waiting. So we waited at the nearby bar Lone Wolf. We waited about 2 hrs, and I got a text that a table was available. So, I guess a lot if people gave up. Thank goodness!

    We quickly sat down and ordered.

    Food:
    - bone marrow with toast was on point
    - chicken liver with toast was good
    - foie gras terrine was delicious
    - single burger is the reason to come again

    I don't think I'll come back for dinner, but I'll definitely come again for lunch. Service nice too.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/15/2015

    What else can I say about this place that hasn't already been said.. This is my 3rd time going but my first time reviewing. It deserves a review!!

    Burgers are juicy, fresh, flavorful!! This time i tried the hash brown burger. Although it was delish, I think i'll stick to the burger with the bun. The burgers come with a pickle but if you're a pickle fan, make sure you order the bread and butter pickles. They're a MUST!!

    The ambience is sexy, lights are dim and the play a nice mix of neo-soul/hip hop/edm type music. Great date place!!

    Be advised that if yu go during prime hours there is a MAYJAH wait so be prepared and they don't take reservations.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/24/2015
    1 check-in
    Listed in Tour de Sodikoff

    Hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Sure they don't take reservations and you can expect to easily wait 1-2 hours during busy times on the weekend, and good luck finding a table if you have more than 4 people in your group...but where else can you eat hearty gourmet diner food in a unique, trendy setting.

    A group of 4 of us came here on a Saturday night and knew coming in that there would be a pretty decent wait. It's super small inside so after putting your name down I'd suggest to just head across the street to Haymarket and grab some drinks while you wait. They called us once our table was ready. It honestly wasn't that bad. Time flies when you're knocking back a couple beers.

    Ambiance: The place was packed and the crowd was pretty lively. Booths lined two of the walls, there were seats at the bar, and I think there were one or two bigger tables in the corner of the restaurant. It felt like a diner, the food tasted like an upscale joint, and they were playing old school hip hop jams on a vintage music player. That's a combo I've never seen before.

    Service: Even though it was super busy, I thought our waitress did a good job. We were in and out fairly quickly. They brought out the food a few dishes at a time, so we were pretty much continuously eating and never really had a period where we were just sitting there waiting. It works well especially if everyone at the table is just sharing all the food.

    Now let's get to the important part...the delicious FOOD! We tried to order a bunch of things to at least get a little taste of everything.

    Roasted Marrow bones - This was actually the first time I've tried bone marrow. Although the slimy texture of the marrow took some getting used to, the flavor was outstanding. Rich, fatty marrow slathered all over crispy, buttered texas toast and topped with a sweet marmalade is a combo I didn't expect to enjoy so much.

    General Jane's chicken - Pretty big pieces of fried chicken tossed in a sweet and sassy sauce. I'm a sucker for Asian flavored wings and these definitely satisfied my crave.

    Crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy - Now this is the definition of re-invented breakfast diner food. Duck heart gravy sounded a little intimidating, but it tasted fantastic. Crispy hash browns and gourmet country gravy...what's not to love. One of my favorite dishes of the night.

    Foie gras w/ scrambled eggs - We pretty much ordered this just because it had foie gras in it. The texture was super silky and smooth, but I think the foie gras flavor got a little lost in the scrambled eggs. Still very tasty though.

    Fries with mornay/aioli/fried egg - Crispy fries with a thick and creamy cheese sauce...then add some garlic aioli to it...AND they toss a fried egg on top just for the hell of it? Yes please! They seriously read my mind for the best side dish ever.

    Double cheeseburger w/ egg - Some people say this is one of the best burgers in the city, and I'd have to agree with them. It's so simple yet super flavorful. Throw bacon, cheese, and an egg on top of anything and I'll pretty much eat it.

    Bologna sandwich - This ain't the Oscar Mayer lunchmeat you packed for school. Talk about a mountain of salty, flavorful meat just covered top to bottom with melty cheese. This was the surprise star in my book. It's a must order every time I go here.

    Thick cut peppered bacon - It's bacon...I don't even need to explain why I thought this was so delicious. This is the type of next level bacon that I'd eat with a fork and knife.

    Overall: Au Cheval has found my weakness, serving up meat and potato dishes and throwing fried eggs on top of everything they could find. The wait can be a turn off for some, but if you have some time to burn and you don't mind hanging out for a bit until your table is ready, it's definitely worth it to eat here.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/19/2015
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chi Town Noms

    The BEST BURGER of my life. That is pretty much is all you need to know about this place. This burger will change your life.

    There is a wait, came here Sunday morning  (around ~11am) and there was a 1.5 hour wait. Definitely worth the wait. You can put your name and number on the list and they will let you know when the table is ready. There's coffee shops on the same street so you can just grab a coffee and wait until they contact you. It's got a small diner feel but cleaner.

    I got the cheeseburger a cheval ($11.95) and added bacon and a fried egg to my burger (couple more dollars extra). The presentation was excellent. Once I bit in this burger...I could NOT stop saying how f**king delicious it was. Every other word out of my mouth was DELICIOUS. I don't know how they cook it but it is so flavorful and juicy. Your mouth will be in heaven. The bacon is out of this world. Thick cut slice with savory flavor. The fried egg with it's yolk adds a perfect touch to the burger. I was SUPER full after this meal, it will last you awhile. I had MASSIVE food coma but I can't stop thinking about how f**king delicious this burger is. It has like two patties so it is pretty filling, you can also add more patties if you'd like. The cheddar along with the bacon and yolk on the burger is PERFECTION. Just writing this review is getting me all worked up over this burger. NOMS!

    so just when I thought the burger was the best thing ever on the menu, I had a bite of my friend's fried bologna sandwich- MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH!!! I think it depends what you are craving for but if this is your first time, GET THE BURGER. If I come back next time I'd try other things on the menu because I am pretty confident it will be delicious.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/22/2015

    Amazing place.

    I recommend the burger and the old fashioned. Also definitely get an order of fries to share. The garlic aioli they serve with the fries is awesome.

    The old fashioned they make is fantastic. It is strong and mixed well and worth the money. On top of that they have a few original recipe drinks that look interesting too. Solid beer selection too. Maybe a little obsessed with fruit beers, but they have something for everyone on the beer menu.

    The burger was amazing. Great flavor. Definitely get the bacon because the bacon is the star of the burger. Also make sure you get the egg too. All the best burger in town talk is a little overrated however. This place deserves hype and the five star status but I still think the actual burger flavor is better at Kumas (the burger not giving Kumas credit for toppings or creativity because I know Au Cheval is a great burger partly due to simplicity), but this is definitely right up there and deserves to be tried.

    The fries were basically perfect and the garlic aioli sauce they give with it was perfect to compliment the fries and made them even better. Definitely worth ordering.

    I have heard great things about the ham and cheese fondue sandwich and there were so many other things on the menu that looked amazing so I look forward to coming back and checking out some other items.

    One knock was that our original waiter was awesome. Very personable and fun and attentive, but when shift change came around he handed us off to a pretty horrible waitress who I have nothing good to say about. No smile, no pleasant mood, not much of a greeting and pretty rough service. I don't feel like that is par for the course for this place so I didn't want to ding the restaurant for it, but it definitely happened.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/18/2015
    1 check-in

    2 hours and 40 min wait. Already coming into this place with sucker stamped on my forehead. Burger was good. Best in the states? It's up there, but that's a heavy title to carry. It was really good. Bacon was thick, delicious, with honey or maple or whatever added to it. Add the egg and all that delicious burger  and pork fat/grease and I'm happy. It's ****ing rich, I'm fine with that, but some will be turned off. Apparently lunchtime wait is 10-45 minutes. This is a place that doesn't need reviews, they have a quality product and the hype will carry.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/30/2015

    I'm going to say it: I didn't love the burger. American cheese as the only option at a place that's supposed to be this classy? Nt my favorite.

    The fries were pretty delicious though, which made up for the mediocre burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/10/2015

    Hands down the best burger I've had in Chicago.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/11/2015

    I was visiting from LA and was told by several people and friends that this place is a MUST EAT so of course I went. When we got there the hostess informed us that the wait was 3-4 hours, but waiting for bar seating was also an option (open seating, first come first serve). We were just going to leave because waiting that long just wasn't worth it, but it seemed like no one was really waiting for the bar seating so we decided to wait for it. We waited only about 30-40 minutes and was seated at the bar! We both ordered the cheeseburger with an egg and bacon inside and shared a side of fries. I was really excited when the burger came as it looked delicious, but I was shortly followed by disappointment. The burger was way too thick and did not have any special seasoning/flavoring that stood out or that I can even taste. It was very plain and salty, and just too much for me. I ate the burger with a knife and a fork because it was too big (and messy because of the egg) to bite into. I really wanted to like this place because I love gourmet burgers, but it just didn't satisfy us whatsoever. I prefer Umami Burger or In-N-Out over Au Cheval any day! I would rate the burger like a 2, but giving them 3 stars because our server was super nice!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/30/2015

    If you are visiting or it's your first time at Au Cheval, get the burger. The single is actually a double and the double is actually a triple. Get it how it comes or add an egg. It is probably one of thee best burgers I have ever had! Perfect bun to patty to cheese ratio!

    Awesome atmosphere with awesome music. I love sitting up at the bar and watching all the delicious meals being prepared! The cooks are always having so much fun, joking with one another, dancing and singing to the classic rock music playing.

    I would say don't go hungry, go a couple of hours before you are hungry and get a drink. Prepare to wait a bit, it is definitely worth it! We once went at 7PM on a Friday, just to see if would get lucky, it was a 4-hour wait -- no lie!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/25/2015

    "They have the best burger EVER!"
    "The burger is sooooo good!"
    "You have to get the burger!"

    Well, I came, I saw, and I conquered the burger. It was aite. I say it was definitely top 10 burgers but I chose top 10 because I am not detail oriented enough to actually pinpoint that many burger experiences. It was definitely good but the hype killed any potential love/lust I might have had that night. I had the thick cut bacon and egg as topping and it still just didn't meet all the heavy claims as stated above. Oh well.

    BUT wait.. Au Cheval is still the home to the best dish I have ever had in Chicago. And it wasn't a fluke!! I have had it multiple times and each one was mind altering "please stop talking to me unless you want to talk about this dish" good. It is the foie gras egg scramble. Aaahhhhh!!  I could write a sonnet about how it is so perfectly decadent and delicate at the same time. Please do yourself a favor and try it at least once. It is perfectly yummy as leftovers too! Another great dish was chilaquiles or, as I say, bougie nachos.  The portions are HUGE so unless you have more than 2 people with a hearty appetite, I'd opt for the smaller size.

    Please expect at least an hour wait (but realistically, it is going to be two) regardless of dinner or brunch. I arrived at 5:30pm once and it was still 2 hrs!  11am - 1.5 hrs!  My tip: I usually just go across to Girl and the Goat since they are always able to seat me and I might either grab a small bite or drinks there, or just give up entirely and end up eating there instead.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/3/2015

    OK.. let me start by saying that the place was PACKED!! If I was claustrophobic!!??! I wouldn't have survived!! However, I was told that I would be seated in 45 minutes...and I was. I had to sit at the bar but it was cool. I was by myself since the wife was out of town. Anyway, the waiter that served me was named "Brandon"(..I told 'em I'd remember..). His service was very good. Asked what I wanted...and delivered with kindness. ..can't ask for more. He asked me what I wanted to drink, I had a Coke with Cherry Juice(, or Grenadine..) I turned around and it was in front of me!!! The bartender was listening and prepared the drink for me before I could breathe!!!..AWESOME. Her name is ERIN!!!  AWESOME job!!!... OK, I had a Single Cheeseburger topped with a Fried Egg..with Bacon on the side. I kinda expected what I was getting. Their "Single" is more like a "DOUBLE" Cheeseburger!!...and I said what God said after he created the earth..." It was Good.." ... OMG The BURGER WAS DA BOMB!!!! My waiter(Brandon) stopped and asked me," How's your burger"?... I just looked at him. I was trying to find the words...all I could do is raise my eyebrows and nod my head...and all I can say is the burger was SO good!!!...and I plan on going back to have another one. I had the butter& bread pickles for the appetizer. I completely enjoyed my experience...the ONLY thing is that they could use a inch more space!!... I told the people sitting next to me this place is like Kuma's Korner minus the decibels...MAYBE even a step ahead with the flavor of the burger...BUT definitely minus all the volume....If they had a LITTLE more ROOM I'd give 'em Six stars!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/6/2015

    Dang, that burger? The one with the egg and pork belly? One of the best things I've EVER put into my gullet. Seriously, if you value your life, you'll make it here for one of those burgers. Servers were awesome, and funny, and our wait was reasonable. Prices were, too. I need this place to relocate into my condo, STAT.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/15/2015
    8 check-ins

    This place was recently bestowed the title of best burger in the country.  Is it deserving of that title? In a word, Yes.

    They have an awesome beverage program.  Excellent selection of beers ranging from light to robust. They can make the best old fashioned cocktails if you so choose, and their burgers are delicious.  Normally I don't need anything on my burgers but when they offer up a bottle of Sriracha hot sauce, I can't say no to that.

  • 1.0 star rating
    6/30/2015

    Very disappointed in this place. The food is fantastic, but ever since Thrillist has gone crazy with providing it 5 star reviews you can NEVER get a seat! The wait used to be an hour now you're looking at 3 1/2-4 hours & they don't take reservations!!!!!!!!

    It's crazy and unfortunately, Chicago has other places that sell just as great burgers. Until they change their seating policy I'm taking my business somewhere else.

  • 2.0 star rating
    6/29/2015

    This is just a review of my experience trying to get a seat.  I've now been to Au Cheval twice without being able to eat.  The first time, I went in a group of four on a Friday evening and we were told at 7pm that the wait for a table was 3-4 hours.  I wasn't expecting to get a seat immediately, but a 3-4 hour wait at a restaurant that doesn't take reservations?  Give me a break!

    The second time I attempted to eat at Au Cheval was this past weekend.  I went with my girlfriend on Saturday at around 1pm.  The hostess said that the wait was about 2 hours, and that the kitchen would be closed then.  What good is a restaurant with no kitchen?  No thanks!  There was no offer of a table at 5pm when the kitchen reopens, but I suspect that if I had shown up again at 5pm, there would once again be a 4 hour wait.

    Au Cheval doesn't accept reservations.  I get that.  However, how am I supposed to actually eat there?  Once my name is on their list, I could theoretically get a call at any time and have to show up.  I don't want to go to a bar or another restaurant to wait, because I would actually like to be hungry when I eat at Au Cheval.  Do you just put your life on hold for several hours as you stand idly by waiting for Au Cheval to get around to you?  When I'm hungry, I want to eat.  Period.  If I want to go to a nice, busy place, I'll make reservations and then plan to be hungry then.  What I do not do is obligate myself to eat any time between now and 4+ hours from now at a restaurant's discretion.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    The rating was more for the service we received yesterday.

    The food was amazing as always. However, our order was taken 15 mins after being seated. Our appetizer came after our burger? And the fries came after we had already eaten our burger! Terrible service for the hour and a half wait.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/22/2014
    4 check-ins

    Okie, here's the deal. This is the BEST burger you'll ever in your life. IN YOUR LIFE!

    I've dined at Au Cheval three times prior to this review. And I must say that the only let down of this establishment is the time it takes to get a table. Two out of the three times I've been there I have waited two and a half to three hours. With that said, I am happy to wait that amount of time because their burgers are beyond fabulous.

    Au Cheval is located around a whole slew of restaurants and bars. So when your waiting for a table (they take down your number when you request a table), you can go get silly at another place.  Once you get that magically text about your table being ready, prepare yourself. Don't be silly and think you'll be ordering anything but a burger. Im serious...order the burger. The "single burger" is actually a double, and the "double burger" is actually a triple. Get the "double" burger, it's more bang for your buck and you probably need something in your stomach from the three hours of drinking you did waiting for a table. Get a side of fries with your burgers, too. Beyond scrumptious!! I've never had dessert there, because I'm stuffed from my double burger and fries. I'm sure it's lovely though.

    Side note: I would not recommend this place for a first date due to the wait time and the volume levels. I suggest smaller groups so you won't have to wait too long for a table. Bar is first come, first serve. I've prayed on people at the bar before with no shame.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/11/2015

    (4)~ very good overall food & service

    MY MENU:
    DRINKS:
    * "Mourning Wood"(Local Beer) = (4) very good...infused with coffee and aged in oak barrels
    * Root Beer(Draft) = (4) very good
    * Water(tap) = (3.25)good

    FOOD:
    * Beef Marrow & Beef Cheek Marmalade(w. toast) = (4) very good
    * Double Burger w. Fried Egg & Thick Bacon = (3.75) Good...but not the best I've had...Note:  The Bacon, while thick, is sweet w. caramelized(sugar)...I prefer the savory/salty kind.  Also a Single is actually a double patty and a Double is actually a triple patty.  Had I known this I would have ordered a Single;)
    * Fries(w. Garlic Aioli) = (3) ok

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/9/2015
    1 check-in

    The single cheeseburger is hands down one of the best burgers I've ever had! I am a ketchup lover and I don't even put ketchup on it bc it's so good! I prefer the burger with the egg, but note, it gets really messy!

    The fries with the aoili are also a must get - but better for sharing with the table vs getting your own order!

    Tip - if you want to get in without a long wait, get there ~15 min before they open on a Saturday or Sunday morning!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/11/2015

    Was informed from my friend that Au Cheval has the best burger in town. Considering we have been to Kumas, Burger Bar, and Butcher and the Burger (to name a few), I was definitely intrigued to try it out. So tonight I did.

    Place was crowded but turnover at the bar was fast and got seats there. Place is dark with trendy music playing throughout. Other reviews have said that the music is too loud but it's nowhere near Kuma's sound level.

    Plenty of local beers on tap along with a list of alcoholic concoctions. Kept it simple with a beer to go with my Double Cheeseburgee (three patties) and Matzoh Ball Soup. Yes matzoh ball soup. I rarely have it and at a non deli no less. Soup was good albeit different than standard preparation. The broth was more like a soy/miso combination  compared to the usual chicken stock. It was good (the matzoh ball was large) but not sure it was worth $8. Speaking of pricing, the double burger was only $12 but if you wanted an egg ($2 extra) or bacon ($5 extra) you were going to pay for it. Not to mention fries are an additional charge too.

    Thankfully the burger was very good. It reminded me of Eagle's Deli in Boston as it is just meat and cheese (and a pickle). Simple yet effective. Is it my fave burger? No but it was damn good. The rest of the menu had some crazy items I will like to try my next visit as well.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/28/2014
    1 check-in

    I love this French American Gastropub!

    From the decor, to the bar and down to their delicious food!

    I feel like you can't go wrong with any of their entrees or selections from their delectable menu!  I got their Hyoka IPA, like our waiter suggested and it was swell!  

    We ordered up the Matzo Ball Soup, which warmed the body up from the fall coldness in Chicago.  They gave a generous portion of the Matzo Ball and the broth was heart to the soul and mind.  

    We also ordered their Foie Gras Scrambled Eggs with French Toast on the side!  It was Ah-Maz-Ing!  The flavor of the caramelized onions and tenderness of the foie gras, was delicious!  The buttery French Toast used for dipping, made it the perfect, complimentary combo!  

    As for their Burger, it was spot on and do get it with the bacon!  It made it all the more yummy!  Thery offer up Chicken Wings, Bone Marrows and other glorious, gourmet gastropub delights.

    Do sit at the booths if you do have the option to!  It's comfy and cozy for dining!

    Au Cheval, I was enamored!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/7/2015

    We waited 1.5 hrs for burgers. You have to go there early otherwise it's always at least one hr wait time.
    You have to order bacon and egg for ur burger. It's a must!!! Tasted so delicious with bacon n egg!

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/14/2015

    I'd been reading reviews about this place before I ventured here on a date. I met up with a friend on a Thursday. The place was full, but not crowded. The restaurant looked like a dimly lit bar with tables in the back - nothing special. There were playing acid jazz and hip hop music which I can greatly appreciate. We both ordered the cheeseburgers that came with 2 patties We also had fries, an app that I don't remember and couple of glasses of wine. I snuck a peek at the bill when it came and I was shocked to see that the bill was well over $100. The atmosphere, service nor food were worth that much, in my opinion. I'm not sure if I would return to this overpriced establishment.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/29/2015
    1 check-in

    This was the best burger that has now ruined it for me. All other burgers will just be "blah" in comparison. It was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The fried egg and thickest cut of bacon you've ever seen were the perfect additions to my burger.  I can see why this burger was named "Best Burger in America". Staff was great. We sat at the end of the bar which had a view of the kitchen. Even though they were having a very busy lunch rush, the staff was constantly cleaning their prep areas. Atmosphere had a cool vibe and played music on this old reel-to-reel player.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/13/2015

    We grabbed a couple of the first come first serve seats at the bar (there are only 6!) and luckily avoided the 5.5 hour wait. The service at the bar was fast and friendly, and we were enjoying America's best burger after polishing off one of Au Cheval's strong drinks (The Flapper was amazing). We kept it simple and ordered a single (2 patties) and double (3 patties) cheeseburger + fried egg + bacon along with a side of fries.  (If I could do it again we would have ordered the smashed potatoes- they looked amazing).  The bacon is amazing- thick cut and smokey, it was like a slice of pork belly! The elements came together in a great way- and made our meal highly deserving of being one of America's best burgers. Will hopefully be back for brunch!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/9/2015

    Amazing burger and can-o-fries. My tongue wanted another full helping of both, but my stomach said no. Definitely going back soon.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/8/2015

    The burger that it is highly known for is rich in flavor and not bad. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best burger, but I think it's worth the try for everyone. What I do recommend is the garlic fries (thinly cut). I thought it was absolutely delicious!! Be prepared to wait a long time. Just put your name down and go to a bar next door or nearby and come back and there will be your seats ready for you!

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/23/2015
    1 check-in

    I give this place 3 stars and that is being generous because the waiter was nice. I def do not see what all the fuss of this place is about. The two-three hour wait for this OK burger is beyond ridiculous. I have had much better minus the wait. The music was good and I liked the old school record player they had.  Oh and the pickle back shots were good as well!   Tip: your wait will be a little shorter if u wait for the 4 stools along the left side of bar to open up. Those are first come first serve.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/23/2015
    1 check-in

    Best burger in America award goes to this place!!! Make sure to get it with the egg and bacon. The 3 hour wait that we were quoted upon our arrival was actually like 45 minutes (don't leave, stay inside at the counter so they see you). However, definitely worth the wait and can't wait to return next time I'm in Chicago.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/29/2015

    Ok, so, the burger.  As good as you've heard? I'd say so.  I mean, pickles were sliding out of this thing.

    But for the love of God, if you go to this joint, get the bacon.  On the side, on the burger, whatever.  Days later and all I can think of is that bacon.  

    Add to that the friendly welcome we received right before the kitchen closed, the explanation from the hostess that the burger was all about the execution and not fancy ingredients (agree), and the funky (apparently functional) 8-track thingy machine and this place gets five stars.  Hope to return for dinner next time I'm in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/9/2014
    2 check-ins

    This place is famous for its burgers, regarded by some as the best burgers in the US.

    First thing you should know about Au Cheval is that it's tiny, they don't take reservations, and once you get there and are added to the waiting list, you'll have to wait on average over an hour (I've been asked to wait up to 2h15).

    As I said, the place is tiny so there's no waiting area: you have to wait outside. Conveniently enough, they take your cellphone number and text you when you're table is next, which means you can go anywhere and get back within 10min of the text. They are many places nearby to get a beer.

    We ordered the burger (had to) and the glazed bacon. Both were wonderful! Can't complain about anything at all! I was advised to order the Au Cheval style burger (with an egg on top), which I personally would suggest otherwise. The egg's flavor dominated the rest of the burger. Not ideal.

    Staff is friendly, price is very affordable, and service is quite fast.

    Overall a great experience, although I'd be hesitant on whether waiting over an hour for a burger is worthwhile (same opinion about the recently opened ShakeShack in downtown Chicago).

    I give it 4 stars precisely because of that.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/7/2015
    2 check-ins

    Best cheeseburger in America?  It's here!  Trust me.  If it isn't the best, it is close.  This place is perfect for late night drinks and food. Great vibe!! I love coming here when visiting Chicago.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/18/2015

    Au Cheval. One of the most famous place in Chicago. Popularized for its amazing burgers and fancy cusine, it received a Bib Gourmand from the world famous Michelin Guide. What is a Bib Bourmand you ask? The Bib Gourmand designate very good restaurants that offer good value. (Two courses and a glass of wine for $40 or less) Basically an honorable mention in the Michelin Guide.

    I was able to go on a Wednesday at aroune 5:30 where there were actual openings, however I had to wait for someone who arrived at around 6. Since I put my name down early, we were able to get a seat as soon as she was here, but we could only get a bar seat and not a booth as the wait for the booths were now for bigger parties and over an hr wait. Which really isn't bad since I tried to come here maybe 2 weeks ago and the wait was over 3 hours long. As I waited, I was at the bar looking at some drinks. The cocktails were $10 to $12, with $3.50 whiskey shots, and the beers ranged from $4 to $12. There were a wide variety of beers to choose from and the bartender was very knowledgeable about them. The waitress was also very attentive to if I waanted to order, maybe a little too attentive. I ordered a pint of Devoir Penrosefor $5 that was "bright and sessionable saison, very lightly funky, 4.3%" which kinda just tasted like a variation orange wheat beer. I really like hefes so it was very enjoyable.

    After seating, we ordered fairly quickly since I basically wanted the burger and some fries. The bar seats were directly facing the kitchen and you can feel the heat from the broiler on top and the heat from the stove. It had a very cool feel to it and you can watch how they made everything. There are hooks under the bar so you can hang your jacket or the ladies can hang their purses. However, it felt very cramped and I felt like I was going to bump the people sitting next to me every time I was going to move.

    The food arrived fairly quickly since they lay down like 10+ patties at once. My single cheeseburger contained 2 patties, 2 slices of cheese, 2 pieces of thick bacon, and an egg. (The bacon-$2 and egg-$1 are addons) The burger looked beautiful as it arrived. The patties and cheese were oozing juices, the buns toasted, the bacon was nice and firm, and the egg looked perfectly done with it's garnishes on it. The cut in view looked just as good, if not better. The fries came in a metal cup with paper all around it with an interesting tasting mayo. My mouth was watering in anticipation to bite into my award winning burger. With the first bite, it was too salty. They made the burger too salty. With the second bite, the juices were all over my mouth and started dripping down my hands. Normally, I would love that, but it was so juicy that everything was falling apart from the oil and other liquids that came out. I'm the kind of person who will eat faster if things are falling apart or all over the place so my burger got inhaled I wasn't able to savor this $15+ burger. Outside of the saltiness and the fluids all over the place, it was really well done. Nothing was dry, the flavors did well with each other, and it still gave a firm bite, despite being soaked. The fries however, all I can say are bad things about them. They were incredibly salty. There were black spots on at least half of the fries. We can see this in poor quality potatoes, but I wasn't sure if the black spots were edible so I snapped them off for good measure. Actually, I have one good thing to say about them. They were hot and crunchy, which is my favorite part in fries so they have that going for them.

    I was extremely disappointed in Au Cheval with their use of salt. If I had the time to wait in their absurdly long line, I can see myself giving them another chance. I would also recommend them dropping their price on their cheeseburgers. $10.95 for 2 patties, 2 slices of cheese, on a toasted bun is overpriced to say the least. They certainly are taking their Bib Gourmand award to their prices. 3 Stars.

    For more reviews, come check out eatpeterepeat.com

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/23/2015

    They don't take reservations and it's the kind of place where you have to wait for hours, even on a weeknight.  But a tiny voice in my head told me I should just drive to Au Cheval at 7pm on a Thursday night, and I did, and there was a seat at the bar just waiting for me.

    So of course I had the famous burger.  The fame is justified.  The patties are moist and flavorful, the bun is soft but toasted enough to hold the sandwich together, and the pickles and toppings add salt, tang, and a rich melting yolk. (As you might guess from the name of the place, the theme of the restaurant is putting an egg on it.)

    Now it's not actually my favorite genre of burger -- I like a single thick meaty patty, a grill flame, and exotic toppings (think Kuma's Corner).  Au Cheval is instead an elevation of the diner-style with a classic accent, with thin patties, flat-top, egg, pickle, butter.  I'd describe it as everything a Shake Shack burger might have wished it could be.  But even if I'd prefer the burger at Kuma's, I can recognize transcendence when I taste it.

    You shouldn't really need me to tell you to go to Au Cheval.  If you're reading this Yelp! entry, you KNOW you should go to Au Cheval; the only question is when to go and how long you are willing to stand in line to accomplish it.  And worse, you can't go just once, because the first time you go you have to get the burger.  And once you have the burger you'll find yourself wondering about the chicken liver, the fried chicken, the marrow bones and even the fried bologna sandwich.  So you'll have to go back.

    I think I need to find some friends who are willing to stand in line with me at no-reservations joints like this one.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/1/2015

    I started working in the city in the West Loop about a month ago and this place was on my short list of lunch places to try.  I have since been there three times total. I was worried about it taking too long to get it in over a lunch hour, but I already have my routine down to beat the crowds.  First, I don't eat any breakfast before commuting into the city as I want to get there early for my own special brunch.  I try to get there about 10-15m before they open at 11AM someday early in the week.  There's always a line awaiting me to queue up in, usually about 20 people.  But so far I haven't had any trouble getting a counter spot right away, which I prefer because I love watching the line cooks in action in this very small, cramped space.

    First time I ordered the double, but it's really a triple patty.  The single is really a double.  So their "single" is more than enough for me.  Unlike a lot of places known for burgers, they don't offer a dozen different varieties of toppings.  It's pretty basic.  A few pickles, American cheese and their house made dressing.  You can--and should--pay a few extra bucks for the egg and bacon.  Bacon is a serious couple of 1/2" thick slabs and the egg is so perfectly cooked when you mash the burger together you're guaranteed to have the yolk running all over your fingers and down your arm as you sink your teeth into it.  Buns are perfectly toasted, burgers have always been perfectly seasoned and cooked (no one asks how you want it cooked, you'll get it medium rare and like it).  Fries with garlic aioli are amazing and enough to share with someone.

    I will definitely put this the pantheon of "best burgers ever".  Everything about it is perfect.  I don't know if I could endure a 2-3 hour wait as some have described for dinner, but I found the lunch crowd was not too much of an issue if you get there early enough to be one of the first seated.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/10/2015

    The separate burger ingredients were good. Not sure about the combination, since I've had better burgers. Got the Au Cheval burger with thick cut bacon and fried egg.

    Music is good, not good for people who don't like loud music while eating food. Crowd is relatively in their 20s-30s.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/6/2015

    Got my name on the list, and waited an hour. There are tons of bars to go to while you wait.

    Split the burger with a friend, very good burger. Lots of beards/tattoos and affordable drinks. Lots of rich food, wish I had gone there for brunch. The other plates on tables around us looked fantastic.

    The cool kids staff was actually very warm and polite. Great vibe in this place. I would definitely try it again when I'm more hungry. Was fun despite being busy. Staff seemed prepared and relaxed.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    4/12/2015
    1 check-in

    Came here at 10:30PM on a Wednesday night and they told us the wait was 30 minutes. We got a table at 15 minutes later at 10:45 and from 10:45 onward there was no wait for anyone.

    The ambiance is nice and the service was good. My husband and I shared the double cheese burger with an egg which was about $14 for the burger plus maybe $3 for the egg. It was plenty of food considering we had a light dinner around 5PM already! We also shared the fries among the table (there were three of us dining and we didn't even come close to finishing the fries - I think up to 5 people could share those). I actually didn't care for the fries at all - I could really taste the fat / lard and it was a flavor I really didn't like - so I'd skip that.

    Overall - the burger was absolutely delicious and as good as everyone says!

    The kitchen serves until midnight every night, so it was perfect for us as my brother was driving through town late at night.

    TIP: Au Cheval (and every restaurant by the same owners) is BYOB for WINE ONLY. Corkage fee? None, you just have to share a glass of wine with a different table! This great feature is hardly promoted so make sure to take advantage!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/28/2015

    I had a great experience here. I was the first of my party of 3 to arrive and put our names down. This was a Tuesday at around 5:15 and not a lot of people were around. They can't seat you until your entire party shows up so I waited until 5:45 until we were all present. I periodically checked in with the hostess and she was super nice. I was concerned with wait til since I saw a lot of people walk in. Once our party was present, she let us know the wait would be around 20-25 minutes, while others who were just walking in had to wait 1-1.5 hrs.

    Once seated our server was laid back and so nice. I ordered the single burger (2 patties - 4 oz each) with everything (egg and bacon and your usual toppings). The burger was great, but not as extrodinary as I've heard. I wasn't a huge fan of the bacon. It was quite thick which took over the taste of the burger.

    The fries with the monray and garlic aoili sauces were superb.

    Great food experience and great staff. I'm glad I tried it, but I'm not sure if I'd be willing to wait 2+ hours to eat.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/13/2015

    Au Cheval - Best burger joint in Chicago

    Story:

    Before going to Au Cheval I heard many individuals in Chicago continuously rave about this place.  

    Friends kept telling me "Au Cheval best burger in Chicago"

    Before I ate at Au Chaval, I attempted twice before to enter the place.  Unfortunately, this restaurant does not take reservations so I lucked out the past because I did not want to wait 40min-1.5hours.

    So on April 16th, I decided to make a third attempt and enter Au Chaval solo.  In this case, I was seated at the bar within 10 minutes

    I ordered a regular cheese burger with Bacon...it was delicious, top notch, $18, a cost well spent.

    Two girls next to me ordered the Boloney sandwich which they stated was better than my burger. I took pictures but cannot tell you how it tasted

    By the pictures, viewers may assume this is just another greasy burger joint, but don't be quick to judge.

    This is the real deal, the best burger joint in Chicago

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/10/2015

    Nike and I came here one day for a late dinner. The place was packed but we were able to get a table fairly quickly. Our waiter was attentive and friendly.

    We both ordered the omelette with kale, oyster mushrooms, and morel jack cheese.  The eggs were silky and glistened in the candlelight. Each bite was a bit of sweet heaven and made me think of a simpler time.

    The smashed potatoes with roasted garlic gravy...words..can't be formed to describe the ecstasy I was in after eating this. Hands down one of the BEST potato dish I ever eaten, heck I am salivating just thinking about it.

    My only qualm, is that they should have some more vegetarian or poultry/seafood dishes.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/5/2014
    1 check-in

    Au Cheval would get 4.5 stars from me, if that were possible on Yelp. We love it!

    We arrived at 4:00, an hour before the kitchen reopened, and nursed our delicious martini (me) and bourbon old fashioned -- I have to say that their martini was one of the best that I've ever had. And they have blue cheese-stuffed green olives, which of course made the drink even better.

    We ordered the chicken (loved it, but it seemed overpriced ($18) for six pieces of glazed chicken) and two orders of fries - honestly, the gravy that accompanies their fries+fried egg was perfect. I could have just eaten fries and gravy all night long (luckily for my waistline, I did not).

    Au Cheval's interior is really chill -- it's like a combination of industrial and masculine styles, almost like steampunk. And the seating is great -- plush booths near the bar/kitchen, tables towards the back. I felt comfortable in Au Cheval the minute we stepped inside. It was a great place to enjoy happy hour with friends.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    Heard about this place on Food Network and had to try it on our trip to Chicago. I was not disappointed. I ordered the "single" cheeseburger with egg, which is two beef patties and my hubby ordered the "single" cheeseburger plain. We shared an order of French fries which is enough for two, it came with a garlic dipping sauce which was wonderful. He had ice tea, I just had water which put our ticket round $40 including tip. We got there about half an hour after it opened on a Saturday and had about an hour and half wait time. Food was worth it, great service and music. Will definitely go back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/11/2015

    Amaze balls!!! bone marrow Delish! I  am not a hamburger person but the cheese burger with egg and bacon was mouth watering good and the duck pâté was fatty and Devine.  Big fan of the Mourning wood beer,  the infusion of coffee in beer is genius!  Definitely would come back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/9/2015

    I had to try the infamous cheeseburger from Au Cheval before leaving Chicago. My roommate and I went early Thursday evening around 5:30pm since we heard the wait can get pretty long. To our surprise, they had an open table and we were seated immediately.  

    The restaurant is very different than what I expected--I thought it was going to feel more....French? But it was more a gastropub-diner atmosphere with loud music. Naturally I ordered the single cheeseburger (which comes with 2 patties) with a fried egg and a side of the thick cut bacon. My friend got an omelette with oyster mushrooms, kale and cheese. We shared the fries which were delicious with their garlic aioli. I also got the root beer they had on draft which I liked a lot. My burger came out really fast, but they ended up messing up the omelette somehow and it took awhile for it to arrive. They comped it for the inconvenience which was super nice of them.

    I thought the burger was pretty good, but not as spectacular as I was expecting from all the hype. It was super messy with the fried egg and maybe I'm not an burger with egg type of person because I'd probably get it without the egg next time. I tried a bite of my friends omelette which tasted really good. I would go back and maybe try some of their other offerings like the liver and toast.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/10/2014
    1 check-in

    YUM!

    This place hits the spot when it comes to burgers and chilaquiles! We came by here for lunch on Saturday and there was an 1.5 hour wait. Because we live close by, we decided to go to the gym, work out and burn off some of the calories we would soon be indulging it. Boy was it worth it!

    We got to sit in a big booth at the back of the restaurant, which was a great view and ambiance for a first time visitor (me!). We ordered two breakfast beers, the Atwater Blueberry Cobbler and the Founders Dirty Bastard. Both were so delicious and potent, we were really happy with our selections. We ordered the Cheeseburger a Cheval (I wonder if this a play off of Pulp Fiction's Cheeseburger Royale) with bacon, Fries with Mornay Sauce/Garlic Aioli/Fried Farm Egg, and the small Chilaquiles (which are not small at all).

    Every single thing we ate was AMAZING! I can't remember the last time I had a burger with so much flavor and that was so tender and juicy all at the same time. The "single" burger is really a double patty and quite filling. The bacon is a thick succulent slab of meat, and very well seasoned. The homemade pickle topped this off in the perfect matter for me. I am a little obsessive of pickles, so I found this to be delicious. The horseradish perfectly complimented the pickles, cheese, and burger on the inside. I really can't wait to go back here to get another burger!

    The Fries were really warm and crispy, but I was not the biggest fan of the mornay sauce. The garlic aioli was a little piece of heaven for me. There was also a good amount of cheese on the fries, which I did not expect. The fried egg on my burger and on the fries was a bit too much. Next time, I will just stick to the regular fries for $4 less.

    The Chilaquiles were one of the best I ever had at any restaurant. They were fresh with cilantro, pickled onions, thinly sliced jalapenos, homemade guacamole, sour cream, beans, and eggs. The salsa verde is spicy and out of this world! I wish I had more room to eat more of these, but I will have to come back just for a plate of this. The small order is quite large and can easily be shared between two people. See the pictures attached for all three food items we ordered!

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/14/2015
    1 check-in

    My coworker said you have to go try Aucheval as their burger will change your life forever.
    And so it did...
    I came here around 9 pm hoping to get a seat at the bar but even for myself , I had to wait an hour for a seat at the bar.. Really?? Well I'm already here so might as well wait. I gave my phone number and went outside to get some wine in little goat. An hour passed by and I came back to the place. I checked with the hostess as it has been close to an hour and she was surprised to see me that I waited and said oh yeah those seats by the bar , you can grab now as they are first come first serve. WTF!!!!
    I could have just waited inside instead of going somewhere else to wait for an available seat.
    Anyway I didn't complain at that moment as I was hungry and tired so I just grabbed an empty seat by the bar.
    That is why you have yelp so you can tell other people and the management of poor hostess manners. She's not really doing her job!! I know this place is crowded and super busy but that is no way to treat someone like me who's patiently waiting for a seat by herself. And to  try to shoo me off by telling me I had to wait for a seat at the bar when obviously it's first come first serve!!! No wonder the hostess was surprised to see me back. And immediately said all seats by the bar are first come first serve.

    dear management. - this is how you will slowly lose customers. Bad manners/ rude hostesses

    Luckily my server was very friendly and sweet and made some good suggestions. These 3 stars are for the burger and the waitress.
    BTW - the burger single party is actually two patties and its huge !
    I will come back and see you again soon this summer.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/20/2015
    1 check-in

    If you want to get goosebumps from a burger go here! Probably one of the top 3 I've had in Chicago (up there with big jones and Mindys hot chocolate). Before you go make sure you're prepared for the 1.5hr+ wait though (plenty of bars around to go get a drink).The restaurant is pretty tiny, but it's worth it. Definitely get bacon and cheese on your burger too...yummy.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    Best cheeseburger I've ever had in my entire life. The place truly lives up to the hype. Make sure you ask for the bacon and egg, they will not ask you if you want it. Also, their fries do not get enough attention either, absolutely delicious.

    You need to make sure you go at a very random time, otherwise you will wait at least 2 hours before being seated. The place has very limited seating. However, with that being said, the burger is 100% worth the wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/23/2014
    1 check-in

    This restaurant definitely lives up to the hype. I'm lactose intolerant so I couldn't have the famous cheeseburger, but I had the bone marrow with the "root root" beer, and it was great. The toast was a little too butter heavy, but that was just my preference. My friends loved their cheesebugers, which they ordered with an egg and bacon.

    Menu was pretty basic; beer and wine on one side, entrees and burgers on the other. All additions to the cheeseburger cost extra.

    Bills were delivered to the table. Server did not offer to split the check, which was pretty standard in a nice Chicago restaurant.

    Parking is HARD to find. I can only imagine what it's like finding parking on a weekend, let alone a weekday. Take a taxi or Uber it because we spent almost 15 minutes finding parking.

    On a Thursday night at 5:30, there was no wait. Our server wasn't very attentive, and the environment wasn't too friendly, but it had a classy and cool vibe. I would go again to try another entree with another beer.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/7/2014 Updated review

    I don't update reviews often and never without purpose, so after another exceptional visit last month I want to sing their praises again. That and I had what may have been the best espresso I have ever had, which includes ones I've had at some of the best places in the world.

    For me, what makes a restaurant as good as it gets are the combination of high quality food, consistency of the dishes, top notch service, and all set in the right atmosphere. Au Cheval hits and surpasses each one of these.

    The Food:

    On this last visit we ordered:

    Roasted Marrow Bones, Beef Cheek Marmalade & Toast - just as incredible as always. Each component to this plate on their own are great, but when all are combined together, they become other worldly.

    General Jane's Honey-Fried Chicken with Chili, Sesame Seeds & Cilantro - delicious, juicy and crispy all at the same time. The warm towels to clean up with were much appreciated.

    Burger - I've had their famous burger before and did again on my most recent visit. To be perfectly honest, it is not my favorite burger, but it is damn good and as I said in my previous review, add the pork belly.

    Simple Prep of Fresh Fish - The day I went, it was Salmon and it was great.

    Crispy Potato Hash with Duck Heart Gravy - Amazing!! Next to the bone marrow, this is my new favorite dish. This may be the best 10 bucks you ever spend!

    Espresso - Oh lordy was this good. It was so damn smooth, like silk on your pallette. My brother, who worked here briefly, told me that an espresso master came in from Japan to teach some of the staff how to make the perfect espresso. Job well done!!

    I don't like eating big meals too late, but I need to order their chilaquiles sometime which are only available after midnight.

    They always have a fantastic beer list and their cocktails look great too.

    The Service:
    Exceptional, friendly, knowledgeable and there when you need them, invisible when you don't. I called a few weeks after my visit to ask about their amazing espresso. Ethan was so nice and accommodating in working to find out all that I wanted to know. It turns out that the local roasters they use make a special espresso blend only for this restaurant group.

    The Atmosphere:
    Cool, sexy, intimate, with great music (always a plus).

    Tip: they are often very busy, but it's worth the wait. While you are waiting, I'd suggest grabbing a drink just a few places over at Maude's Liquor Bar (review to come) which has the same ownership along with exceptionally made cocktails by talented and focused mixologists in a chic atmosphere. They do have food here too which looks fantastic, but save your appetite for Au Cheval and then come here on a separate occasion to try their food.

    5.0 star rating
    10/25/2013 Previous review
    Went here other night for some beer and grub with my brother and a good friend. While I may be… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    4/9/2015

    One of those hyped-up foodie havens in Chicago that ACTUALLY live up to the hype.   Definitely go. Just go.  Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. Grab a drink at Lone Wolf next door.

    What I love:
    - Burger was actually the best I've had in Chicago, and top-3 all time. (Redcoat tavern in Detroit, and the country club I caddied at as a kid are in there too, but the latter is probably mostly nostalgia and the fact it was free and I was a broke 16-year-old)
    - Beer list is cool and even has a local section vs. just putting all the craft stuff together. nice touch.
    - Appetizers. If i didn't love the damn burger so much I would go back and fill up just on apps. We had the foie gras - great touch with the texas toast - and the bone marrow.  THAT SAUCE. I don't know what it was but it was fruity and savory at the same time.  Dear lord i was in heaven.

    What I like:
    - Duck heart gravy fries (i think - was getting drunk on lipids and suds)
    - price on the burger (and for the whole meal) wasn't crazy high
    - casual atmosphere

    What I don't like:
    - DO NOT GO with a party of more than 4, especially if your group includes large derrieres. You will be uncomfortable.
    - Wait times suck. Is what it is. We waited 1.5 hrs on a Monday night...yikes.
    - Waitstaff can be  slightly aloof in the hipstery "we are crazy popular and awesome at our chosen craft of burgerbliss. if you are pissed and never come back, we will survive and thrive without your moolah"  Again, comes with the territory to some extent.
    - Prices on beers are crazy, but again, this is getting to be par for the course for the area.  Can someone please open a restaurant with $5 craft beers?? I mean $7+ is just greedy.

    Anyway, hopefully some of this was new info but probably not.  Enjoy your burger!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/19/2015

    I will admittedly say that their cheeseburger is not the best cheeseburger I've ever had, but it's a pretty darn good one.

    Now, why this is a definitive 5+ star place is because of their old fashioned. It is the best old fashioned I've ever had. I tend to not order an old fashioned in most places because for the same price you pay here, you get bottom to middle tier liquor that burns your gut and leaves you saying "no más." This old fashioned was impeccable. Absolutely perfect. Goes down real smooth. Even the stupid cherry garnish was perfect. The right amount of sweetness, a perfumey vanilla quality, no artificial bright red color and HFCS. I watched the bartender intently as he spritzed the orange zest over the drink before dropping it in. Beautiful. Just beautiful. It's like he tenderly made love to my drink and when she woke up he had a lovely hot breakfast waiting for her.

    I ended up ordering two and cut myself short because I had another (not as impressive) bar to visit.

    Thank you Au Cheval for showing me what a proper Old Fashioned is about.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/11/2015

    We finally made it in! After being discouraged by the waiting list for tables a few times, we made it to Au Cheval. After waiting for about an hour for a table to open up, I noticed that Au Cheval is a very dimly lit place. It's a lot like their other restaurants GSSM, High Five Ramen, and Bavette's to name a few. I just found it a little heard to look at my food and the menu. Which can pose a problem. So I am typical and we ordered the Beef Bone Marrow, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Double cheeseburger with thick cut bacon and a perfectly fried egg. Since I was not partaking in their cocktails, I cannot comment on those. It looked like they were really putting effort in their cocktails because they sure did look amazing.

    The bone marrow was good and came with Texas style toast points and Jam. I am not sure what kind of jam it is but it is some sort of wonderful. The jam, toast and buttery gelatinous bone marrow just made the most harmonious pairing. I realize how hard it is to make bone marrow. You have to slice the bone in half and PERFECTLY roast the marrow, too much and the marrow will cook out and too little it will taste disgusting. The geniuses  at Au Cheval have perfected this fine art and they deserve a round of applause. Arguably, many people say that Au Cheval has the best burger in Chicago. I am not going to outright say that since it is such a heated debate. On my personal list of favorite burgers though, I would say that Au Cheval is top 3 on my list. The Double Cheese Burger with thick cut bacon and perfectly sunny side up egg. I feel like the thick cut bacon made it too salty but otherwise it was a perfect burger. I mean it wasn't jumbled up with a bunch of different flavors and less is more. They really let the burger meat sing on its own. High Quality Meat, bun, fixins, egg, that's it. The egg gave the burger all the dimension in flavor and texture it needs. The Garlic Mashed potatoes with gravy is out of this freaking world man. With tiny bits of the roasted garlics and a looser type of gravy. Whatever you are going to get at Au Cheval, get it, but always, ALWAYS, get that garlic mashed potatoes and gravy. That stuff stole my heart and I have been thinking of those dang mashed potatoes since I left that place.

    Our server was really cool and attentive even though the place was slammed. They were playing some pretty awesome old school hip-hop. Prices aren't too shabby for the Randolph Restaurant Hub and a perfect place to wind down after work. So Au Cheval wins in my book and I plan to return every chance I can. I hear their brunch is something we must try next.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/6/2015

    I've dined at Au Cheval several times plus I've referred out of towners for one of the best burgers in town. The burgers, fries with house made aioli and the fried chicken are awesome. Great menu and drinks. The place is very small, so seating is limited. The wait is always incredibly insane, at least an hour during dinner time. I have been for lunch and we waited about 20 minutes to be seated. With friends and a cocktail or two it is worth the wait.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/9/2015

    I've been meaning to come here with a friend, but didn't know much about the place so it wasn't too hyped up in my mind. When I arrived, we ordered Bloody Marys which were super tasty. Spicy, flavorful, and topped with sport peppers, pickles, and olives. Definitely hit the spot on a Sunday afternoon.

    My friend highly recommended the chopped chicken liver, salted butter, and toast. I'm usually down to try anything, so I thought what the hell. HOLY. SHIT. You guys, this may have been the greatest thing I've ever put in my pie hole. I was actually a little flabbergasted at first, that something like that could taste so good. I can honestly say it's one of the best things, if not THE best thing, that I've ever eaten in a restaurant. The chicken liver is roughly chopped, mixed with dill, and extremely rich and flavorful. The salted butter is heavenly, and the toast is perfectly crunchy and extra thick. Yeah, just slathering the golden toast with that fresh, creamy, salty butter and topping it with a spoonful of chicken liver...sorry, I think I hear angels singing.

    Anyway, I also ordered the cheeseburger with bacon, and a side of fries. Cheeseburger is amazing and I can see why it was just named the best burger in America. High quality beef, juicy, greasy, topped with plentiful cheese, some sort of magic mayo, and thick, THICK cut bacon, all contained in a soft, perfect bun.

    Fries were also delicious and came with a fantastic garlic aioli. Highly recommend, and bring your appetite.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/12/2015

    Alright, so if you're reading this review you've probably heard something about Au Cheval. If you've read any of the other reviews here, you also know there is one universal truth about Au Cheval - it is delicious, but sometimes you really have to wait for it. But that's what I'm here to help with.

    Strategies for quick seating at AC:
    Go for lunch on a weekday. The location isn't ideal if you don't live or work near west loop, but if you can get here for an early lunch it is worth it to not have to wait. The doors open at 11 and on my last visit, I was there at 11:15 and was still able to be immediately seated at 11:30 when my friend arrived. I would say until 11:50 there were people being seated immediately. After that, I'd say the wait probably jumps to 30 minutes at noon and, for lunch, probably tops out at an hour.

    Go for an early dinner. Their hours are technically 11 am - 1 am, but the kitchen closes from 3-5pm. I reckon you can sit in here and drink still or something from 3-5 pm, but it really clears out so if you're there right around 5, you can also be seated quickly.

    Are you still with me? Good. We're almost done...

    SIT AT THE BAR!!! This, above all else, is my number one recommendation for dining at Au Cheval. The work of the kitchen staff is nothing short of poetry in motion. They work together as a well oiled machine and watching the burgers (more on those in a minute) being prepared is like magic. Remember being a kid and seeing a Cabbage Patch Kid* being born or a Build-A-Bear being stuffed? This is the adult version.

    The burger: this burger is without a doubt the best thing I've ever eaten. Not best burger. Best anything. We'll see if that ever changes but I'm not sure it will. The single burger comes with two patties - don't make the mistake of getting a double. Get the bacon. It's two, 1/4 inch thick, perfectly sliced pieces of deliciousness. And if you're really feeling up to it, the egg is a great topper.

    The fries: the regular fries come in a paper cone with a garlic aioli to dip them in and are delicious. If you have a huge appetite, or a group, splurge and get the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried farm egg. (Under the 'with eggs' section of the menu.)

    Lastly, I've also had the General Jane's Honey-Fried Chicken with Chili, Sesame Seeds & Cilantro. This dish is also delicious but I can't in good conscience recommend ordering anything other than the burger for yourself. Your best bet for veering away from the burger is to get a group and all get a burger and then share another entree. But friends don't let friends not get the burger at Au Cheval.

    *What, you've never been to Cleveland, GA to visit Babyland General Hospital to see a CPK being born? Add it to the bucket list. Right up there below 'Getting the burger at Au Cheval.'

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/17/2015
    1 check-in

    I've been living in the US for the last 3 years (just moved from NYC) and this is by far the best burger I had in this country! Get it with fried egg. Get it with bacon. Enjoy!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/27/2015

    The hype is real. Initially we weren't that excited, but it was recommended by a friend so we decided to give it a shot. We waited 2.5 hours to get a table, but it was so worth it. We ordered the single cheeseburger, which actually has two patties. We added the egg and bacon. I normally don't like runny egg, but it was the best burger I've ever had! Everything just came together so deliciously!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/5/2015
    6 check-ins

    Holy hell.  This is easily the second best burger I've had in my life.  I promise to update this if this changes.  Kuma's sucks compared to this (and kinda sucks in general, whoops).  Seriously.  That won't change.

    Don't come here on a weekend.  Or at night.  A weekday at lunch has a 45 minute wait (might quote you 1:15).  I've never ever had another place quote me a 4 hour wait in my life.

    I came here with a friend having seen and heard about the burgers they have.  See, I'm on a quest.  A burger quest.  It will take a couple years, but I plan to have all of the best burgers in the area.  Pretzel buns are an abomination btw.  Now the burgers they serve are smash-burger style.  This is not a bad style and is refreshing when compared to other places that attempt to produce the most massive burger they can fit between two pieces of bread (hence the birth of the extremely dense pretzel bun).  The smashburger produces lots of browning, yet they do well to not overcook the small patty.  Their burger is automatically a double when your order a single and a triple when you order a double.  My reccommendation is to order a single with bacon and egg.  The bacon is very thick.  It's essentially fatty ham, but very tasty and almost a third patty.  The egg is consistently the most perfectly soft fried egg I've ever seen or eaten.  Put it all together and you have gooey delicious egg running over your perfectly cooked bacon and beef and cheese.  I don't like pickles on burgers, but these guys have it perfected.

    Oh, if you somehow find time to eat something else grab an order of fires.  They are excellent.

    Now, people tell me the other food is good and I should try it and escape my burger heaven.  I believe them, because this place is awesome, but why have the 2nd best dish on the menu?

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/26/2015

    Au Chval makes me feel that if I never set foot in their restaurant again, they wouldn't care. Despite the amazing food, I choose not to patron a restaurant that does not value my business. Au Cheval makes one of the best burgers in the city, if not the country. HOWEVER, I decided to give them a low rating because of the service and the price.

    Service: They do not take reservations and the wait time (2-4 hours) is absurd. The hosts and hostesses are unapologetic when they inform potential customers of the wait time and seem ungrateful of their extraordinary success. Waiters and waitresses are polite and attentive, but do no make up for the rest of the service experience.

    Price: They lose their price on one menu item: French Fries. A burger already costs $10.95, and despite its amazing quality, it is served a la carte. That alone would not bother me, but I'm of the belief that a burger should always come with fries and, if for some reason they don't, charging $5.95 for a side of fries is insulting.

    Atmosphere: Not a place for intimate conversation, or for that matter any conversation. The later it gets the more they dim the lights and turn up the music. I had trouble hearing the waiter or the people I was eating with. I felt like I was in a nightclub. I strained to hear and be heard, and felt a sense of relief when I finally stepped out into the relative quiet of W Randolph St (not that quiet of a street).

    Food: Incredible. Throw a dart at the menu and you can't go wrong.

    Drinks: A solid beer list that's not overwhelming. I'm not familiar with their cocktails.

    Food: 5 Stars
    Drinks: 4 Stars
    Atmosphere: 2 Stars
    Service: 1 Star
    Price: 1 Star

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/3/2014

    I was a little underwhelmed based upon hearing that this is the best burger in Chicago.  Do not get me wrong it was really good but not even close to my top burger on my list.  My brother said we went on an off day, as it was lunch time.  The burger was still juicy just not incredible tasting.  The cheese on it was excellent, and the bacon was really good.  Next time I am going to request no sauce it was a tad sweet for me.  The fries were really good and the garlic sauce it came with as killer good!  
    This is a neat experience if you sit at the counter because you can watch them cook the burgers and serve them.  Next time I will go at dinner time and get egg on my burger, and if the burger is better next time I will surely update my review, but for now, it is no top 10 for me, but still good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/8/2015
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Burger Bucket List

    The search for my favorite cheeseburger in Chi is finally over.  It was everything I expected and more.  Definitely worth the wait - luckily, we went early (5:15pm) on a Thursday night, so we only ended up waiting for 45 minutes for 2 seats at the bar directly facing the kitchen.  I loved watching the chefs at work - a well oiled machine to a great soundtrack of rock music!  You could literally reach out and pick off the fries being measured out into the serving containers.

    We went straight for business with two single cheeseburgers.  Both of us tried it with the fried egg and I added the thick cut pepper bacon just to try it once.  I usually don't like runny egg on my burgers, but it was the most glorious (and messy) addition that completed the burger.  The bacon was nice and peppery, but pretty thick, almost half as thick as one of the patties.  A single comes with two patties and a double with three patties.  They were so juicy and perfect and stand alone without anything else dressing them up.  I also liked how there weren't any usual condiments like lettuce, tomato, or onions - those are distractions and not necessary, but usually get soggy and gross mixed with the hot meat and cheese.  The pickles and sauce were just enough +/- the egg and +/- bacon.  The size of the patties were also manageable - yes you do have to use a knife to cut it in half, but you can still hold each half with your hands comfortably.  

    We also split a side fries - the serving is perfect for two people.  They were hot, crunchy, salted just right, and came with a great side of garlic aioli.  For dessert, they had a selection of ice creams, but I came here not only for the burgers, but for the Mille-Feuille, aka Napolean.  I've been fantasizing about it ever since we tried it here the previous visit (when we just came for desserts and drinks late night).  It was exactly how I remembered it, three crispy layers of puff pastry filled with cream in between and dusted with confectioner's sugar on top. It comes with a side of hot fudge to pour over it.  I devoured it all despite feeling the hamburger coma kicking in already.    

    Being pregnant I can't comment on their drinks and cocktails, although Hubby thoroughly enjoyed his Old Fashioned.  I thoroughly enjoyed their root beer on tap.  

    It was a perfect dinner and dessert, what's not to love about this place?

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/2/2015

    I had higher expectations but the burger was not all that everyone says it was. Smashed potatoes were ok also not like 4 or 5 star worthy. Also if I wasn't so hungry, I may not complain as much, but there was a 20 minute delay between items. I understand it's a busy place but seriously? Oh well. Maybe I'll try it again sometime but not for awhile. There are too many other new places in Chicago that I would go to before coming back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/14/2015

    There was a time in my life when I thought there wasn't such a thing as too much head... Then I ordered the Jolly Pumpkin at Au Cheval, and I guess, attitudes change... Apparently there was a problem with the CO2. Life goes on.

    All kidding aside this place is fantastic. Order everything. Over multiple visits. Happy eating :) Thank you beautiful bartender who suffered my JP order (that foam was never going to settle), you are a star among champions.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/23/2014

    Au GOOD GOD Au Cheval was AMAZING!  If I had to wait the 2 1/2 hr standard wait time it would have been totally worth it after the meal I had.  Our waitress was awesome BTW but I forgot her name so can't give her the shoutout she deserves :( Sorry!

    We ordered the ham and cheese fondue with toast, the garlic aiolic fries with egg, the burger with the $9.00 bacon (which was worth it) and the Pork Porterhouse that we all shared family style.  Tip-they only have 2 porterhouses a day and you can call and reserve it...YOU HAVE TO TRY IT! It's so juicy and covered in this sweet apple foie gras glaze that is unbelievable! As soon as we ordered I smelled something delicious cooking because it's an open kitchen and I was hoping it was the porterhouse, if not I had to order whatever that amazing smell was. So asked...and sure enough, it was the porterhouse! YAY! It was my favorite dish of the night and could not stop eating it :P

    The burger, which I heard is the best, really did live up to the hype! And I'm not a big fan of burgers but really glad I tried it because I almost wanted to eat the whole thing! The thick bacon really is worth the $9 extra charge...TRUST ME! Oh and also an egg...can't forget about the egg! Egg makes everything better :)

    The ham and cheese fondue with egg and bread was also delicious and the bread has crack in it because I kept eating it.  And the garlic aioli fries with egg was also fabulous!  

    So everything about this place was on point! The service was impeccable, the food was mind blowing and the ambiance is fun with an open kitchen.  The only thing I could do without is the wait time which is what makes me think twice about going back so soon :(

    But seriously Au Cheval... BRAVO!!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/4/2015 Updated review

    Great burger, but a little too salty and greasy for my taste.  Maybe it was this one time.  I will go back again to give you my second impression. Love the atmosphere! Dim lighting, great music, and a nice romantic, intimate feel to the place.  Would be a great place to take a date, but they don't take reservations at the moment not do I think they ever will.

    4.0 star rating
    7/27/2015 Previous review
    Great burger, but a little too salty and greasy for my taste.  Love the atmosphere!  There are no… Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    7/2/2015

    This place was good, but my tummy can't handle the grease. :(
    Cute atmosphere. Long crazy waits. Fries are amazing. The wings were good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/2/2015
    1 check-in

    No wait for lunch on Tuesday when it first opens. The bread and butter pickles should be shared. There's a lot of it! The bone marrow and beef cheek marmalade was phenomenal. The bone marrow is SO much better than The Purple Pig's. I had the entire plate to myself. I do not regret it, but I think it should also be a shared dish. It was a bit heavy to eat myself. My friend had the single burger but it came with two patties anyway. I had a bit of it, and it might be the best bite of burger I've had. I hear there's usually a 2-hour wait; I think it's worth it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/15/2015
    1 check-in

    Finally able to get in here and see what the hype is about and this place delivered. I ordered the single, which is really a double, with and egg and bacon. Omg it was amazing. The bacon and the egg melded perfectly with the burger which was cooked to a perfect medium rare and not well done. Seriously, whoever orders beef well done needs to get their beef privileges revoked. But back to be burger, it came with a little aioli and diced onions on top which was a good balance along with everything else on the burger. We also ordered the duck heart hash for the table and that was also amazing. The gravy was nice and rich and the hash was so crispy and potato-y. Seriously though, from now on when I want a burger I'm going down to au cheval and even if I have to wait I'll do it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/26/2015
    1 check-in

    Went on a snowy Wednesday night around 5:30pm and waited an hour. I can safely say Au Cheval is worth the hype, and that this is the best no-frills burger I have ever experienced. Got the double (really a triple) cheeseburger with bacon, no egg. The patties are thin, griddled, unmistakably high-quality beef. The extra thick cut, maple-braised peppered bacon is the best I've had in a long time, and in my opinion really completes the burger.

    Not even 10 minutes after finishing that burger, I was ready to eat another (seriously.)

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/3/2015

    Best burger I've ever had. Literally. You must go, but my suggestion is to go early, before your hungry, to put your name down. The wait will most likely be about 2 hours no matter what day of the week. Grab a drink from another nearby place and eagerly await the text letting you know your table is ready. It's worth the wait, trust me. Also, be aware their tables only seat up to 4 people comfortably! ENJOY!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/31/2015

    Man that burger is delicious. I got the single with egg and bacon which complimented each other perfectly. The meat crumbled, the egg yolk was runny, and the bacon was smoky and not too salty. The frites were also very good. It got pretty messy eating the burger but it was probably because of the egg. I'm not really blown away by burgers so I can't say it was the best burger I've had in my life. The only real downfall is the wait time which I'm used to being from the NYC metro area.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/28/2014
    1 check-in

    Speakeasy gastro-diner. Feels like Prohibition the moment you walk in - from the long wraparound counter bar, to tucked booths, dim lighting and dark walls. Loved everything we ordered:

    - Roasted marrow bones with a generous side of beef cheek marmalade: Go big or go home. This is the Zeus of all marrow bones, nothing subtle about Au Cheval's dish. Best heart attack I've ever had. Served with Texas toast, b/c why be subtle?

    - Crispy fries with mornay, garlic aioli, fried egg: Carb-tastic glory, my tastebuds rejoiceth. Garlic aioli is yum, pass on the mornay

    - Trumpet mushroom, kale, morel jack cheese omelette: Friend devoured this. Savory goodness

    - Raw salad (avoiding an immediate ER visit): Super fresh thinly sliced root vegetables, fennel, apple, radishes, piled crazy high. Serving size for 2 comfortably, 3 if just tasting

    Had a great server who knew his food and drink. Avoid peak time as wait can get formidable. Restaurant is small, so smaller parties are your best bet.

    Strongly recommend.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/29/2015

    When people  say   "best burger" or  "best pizza"  or  best whatever - it's a bit based on personal taste. However - this place delivers  a pretty  great $9-10 burger!  And glad to see they are  opening a second location - Small Cheval! Even if it's just for summer. 1732 N. Milwaukee Ave

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/5/2015

    Best burger I've ever had. Great beer selection as well. Give it a whirl nut be prepared to wait for a table.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/24/2015

    Love their brunch food, especially their chilaquiles.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 3.0 star rating
    8/5/2015

    Yes it's delicious but trying hard to be esoteric and expensive doesn't work for this middle aged man.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/20/2015

    I have been here a couple of times celebrating birthdays. There's no reservation so come early and wait in line if you have a schedule to keep:)
    Definitely, their burger is a huge draw. The fries with the garlic aioli are great too. Tried the fried bologna sandwich and thought it was really salty. What I loved the most was the Jone's blueberry muffin. Ridiculously amazing. Just try it!

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/6/2015

    Read the fine print: kitchen closes (wtf) from 3-5.  Got there at 3:45 and went to Bar Sienna for drinks.  Would have waited @ Au, but I wanted to talk to my friend and Au thinks it's cool to have deafening music.
    Had the double cheeseburger+bacon+egg, the fried bologna and fries.  I know their burgers are highly rated, but I prefer Shake Shack's flavor (and value).  The bologna was excellent and the fries were really good.  Good selection of draft beers.
    Service was silly.  We all sat at our tables like lemmings waiting for 5 o'clock, the waitstaff then goes to each table, collects the orders, disappears into the kitchen and floods them with demand.  Out pops hamburgers.  But not from 3-5.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/11/2015

    Fried bologna sandwich.... SUPURB. I could eat it everyday. Don't go here if you want a salad and no flavor.. go here to INDULGE and enjoy it!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/10/2015

    This burger is amazing, it is so ridiculously rich and satisfying.  Best Burger Ever? I do not agree, however excellent in its own way.  Some acidity would go a long way in completing this masterpiece, but that is one minor complaint in a very well crafted burger.  The Fries with the Egg is too much on top of this burger, just get the regular fries because once again they are so rich with that Garlic Aioli, and the Mornay.  We waited 30 minutes before they opened, which I recommend as a good time as we were 16th in line.  The anticipation and excitement in the line was fun.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/1/2014
    1 check-in

    Best burger ever.  I've traveled high and low, and it does not get any better than this.  
    And not to mention.... Their music selection is really good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/30/2015

    Anyone who doesn't like their burger here is wrong.  The only burger that I've eaten is from Sixteen at the Trump and that's $44.  It really doesn't get any better than the burger from Au Cheval.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/27/2015
    1 check-in

    This place is awesome in many ways. First, it's the BEST Burger I've ever had, and I've been to just about every place awarded the title "Best Burger" including the famous Holeman and Finch restaurant in Atlanta. The thick bacon and perfectly fried egg top off delicious parties of beef. Just remember, a single is actually a double and a double is a triple! Second, the atmosphere is just my style- neighborhood bar feel with fun music. The cooks get into the music as they work their magic on the grill. Finally, $3 Tall Boys and $3 Bourbon shots? Yes please. This may be my favorite spot in ChiTown.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/20/2015

    Place had really great food. Only bad were three things. 1st this is probably the worst lighting I've ever been in I went at midnight. Those dumbass candles don't do shit. They might as well turn off the lights and everyone sit in complete darkness. 2nd, the fried chicken was $18 (that shit is not worth $18 dollars) it's good for about $7-$10 but not freaking $18. 3rd they got my order wrong. But it wasn't the waitress fault it was the kitchen. But besides that everything was great. Burgers were great!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/11/2014
    1 check-in

    A pub, not a french restaurant that serves horse. This is an important distinction because there are two restaurants on the block with Goat in their name and that's one of the things they serve.

    How do you say best burger ever, when you've had so many great burgers? Well, if this isn't the best, it's in the team photo.

    We met my son Ian and his friend Kendall there for dinner. (their idea... good job!)

    Being a bunch of smartypants we figured that we would show up right when the kitchen opened at 5pm, unfortunately other people were smartypantsier and got seated before the kitchen opened, so we had to wait for about an hour for those people to finish their meal. An hour around there is no big deal, there is plenty to do.

    The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. They texted us when they were ready for us, got us some libations while the table was being prepared and then seated us. The waitress tried to hook us with the fish special (no one bit on that) we asked some questions about the burgers, she gave us a few a minutes to contemplate, conspire and then came back to take our orders.

    Normally I would get the double burger, it's in my DNA to go big.. but tonight I wanted Chili too.. my son Ian ordered the double (only $2 extra) so it must be in his DNA too. Imagine that?

    The single is a double anyway, so a double is a quadruple and when you add some bacon and eggs to the sandwich you have a truly epic, messy burger.

    But my single was as much as I wanted after eating the chili too, Lisa got the regular burger and took half home.

    We shared an order of fries, we would have eaten more if they were on the table, but we weren't compelled to order another.

    Kendall decided to be different, she got the Fried Bologna sandwich and if I didn't want the burger so bad.. I might have been jealous. This isn't your typical fried bologna sandwich... it doesn't have a first name that is O - S - C - A - R. this is sliced thin and piled high, not super baloney-ee. I think she wished she had gotten a burger (but I might just be projecting)

    A note for those people that don't like mayo.. we didn't see it on the menu, but mayo just comes on the sandwiches.... no biggie for me, but I am not an island.. and this had an effect on one of us.

    The chili. The chili is delicious, great meaty consistency and the right amount of beans.. it comes with Frito's corn chips on it.. and that is an excellent combination!

    This is not a cheap burger place, the burger (al a carte) starts at 10.95 and then you add the extras like the egg and bacon (not slices.. a slab!) But it's worth it.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/15/2015
    1 check-in

    This is a crazy popular restaurant in the West Loop. They don't take reservation and it's pretty small inside. I showed up 20 minutes before they open in hopes we will get seated when they open at 11am on Saturday. When I got there, there was already a line circling the corner of au cheval! There were about 7 groups ahead of me and the line just kept forming until it opened. There were 5 of us but 3 of them didn't show up on time; their policy is that everyone needs to be there in order to get seated. Since my group weren't all there, we were placed on the wait list. There was a swarm of people who just kept storming in. My friends all showed up about 5-10 minutes after 11..we told the host and our wait time just went up to 1 hour wait. Ouch! So we waited... What's nice is that you can order drinks. While you're waiting for a table. A friend ordered a glass of OJ..$4 each and it wasn't a big glass. Another friend ordered their cappcaccino or some kind of coffee- $3.50. Pretty pricey but was tasty.

    Onto the food.. We all ordered the single cheeseburger with 2 sides of the regular fries. Single cheeseburger = 2 patties! The fries were decent. I had my burger without the bun but with hash brown, it's not listed on the menu but you can make a special request for it. There's an up charge of $4.95 for the hash brown. I also asked for a fried egg on top which was an additional $2. You pretty much pay for the patty and everything you want to add extra is a la carte. I thought the burger was ok. I'm generally not a burger person. The addition of the bash was just ok..a little too crispy for my liking. The other friends who ordered their normal cheeseburger enjoyed it.

    Overall this is a decent place. Pretty pricy for burger and super long wait! If you don't want to wait hours to be seated, make sure you arrive at least 15 min before they open and ensure your group is on time to get seated. Once you get there after it open the wait time starts at 1 hour. Parking is a little difficult since its on Randolph (aka restaurant row). My stomach also did not feel well later that evening. My stomach was hurting and I had the runs. Another friend had the runs too. For me I think my stomach wasn't used to the grease. Didn't eat anything the rest of the day. My other friends were ok though.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/14/2015
    1 check-in

    Au Cheval put eating burgers on to a whole New Level. The debate will go on for centuries as to who has the best burgers in Chicago. Kumas? Lockdown? Au Cheval? Fatsos? Paramount Room? And many others. While I can not with absolute confidence say Au Cheval is the best it is near the top and may be the best. I ordered the double cheeseburger (3 patties) with bacon and a fried egg. If the burger itself is considered the best by many shouldnt it be even better with bacon and a fried egg? Despite all this heavenly goodness the element that stuck out most to me was the actual beef patties. It just melts in your mouth! Oh, and how about that bacon its like an inch thick, well not really but its insanely thick.

    The one area that puts Au Cheval over the top for me is not so much the burger but the experience eating it. I have never enjoyed eating a burger as much as this. After being seated at one of the counter stools I realized I was practically sitting right on top of the cooks. All the action was right in front of me. When its busy I do not know how they do it. 4-6 cooks organizing buns, grilling beef patties, simmering soup, adding toppings, cleaning, testing ingredients, etc. My feeling was like that of an artist who can paint something so detailed and delicate in such a short period of time, you can only ask " how the f*ck you do that". Yet when your burger is served its perfect as if one of them spent hours carefully crafting your masterpiece of a burger. In addition to the kitchen the whole environment is loud, boisterous, in your face, fast-paced organized chaos and I absolutely enjoyed the show! Not the place for your quiet, romantic valentines date.

    To have experienced the performance of all these well-trained professionals orchestrate the making of your double cheeseburger, or Bone Marrow, or Matzo Ball Soup etc all the while having one of the best burgers ever is an amazing experience. This place needs to be on your hitlist if you live in Chicago or are visiting.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    Yes sir, may I please have another! Place was legit. Randomly heard of this place by suggestion of buddy and decided to check it out one day. We got there around four, which is right when they stop serving food and prepping for the dinner rush. Which is an amazingly good idea for the staff to get ready. Just be prepared for it, if you actually want to dine in. Get there early and having a beer is a good bet. I had the Shake American Porter by Boulder Brewing. It's deep chocolate tones and creamy, frothy head, made me feel like I was drinking an ice cream parlor! However, the staff said we could place dinner orders at 4:30, but didn't actually take the orders till 5. That's the only mark down on the place for me! The staff was cool, and lets us try some of the bacon glaze, before our meal arrived. I had the single patty burger with foie gras. The flavor and quality was bursting from the burger. The juiciness of the foie gras only added to the complexity of the burger. Since I see myself as a baconator,(someone who quite enjoys bacon) I had to try the bacon. The host recommended it on the side, which was totally the right call. This isn't your grandpa Jimmy's bacon, that's for sure. The bacon was a super slab, in an amazing cherry caramel glaze. The bacon was a bit fleshy, depending on how you like your bacon cooked, but still so fire. Overall, I give four stars for the quality, ambience, and luxury, but Kumas Corner is still my number one! Bomb burger from Au Cheval 0. My stomach 10.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/29/2015

    I'll make this review simple. It's the best burger I have ever had. Well worth the wait.

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/12/2015

    My word, this place has so much hype. One would literally think they were eating the best food in Chicago & certainly the best hamburger you have ever eaten. It is really good, don't get me wrong, it is also expensive for what you get (which is upscale/casual food) and it certainly is not worth the wait. I felt like I was there for the decor and the scene and the food was secondary.  As someone who goes to restaurants to eat great food, I was underwhelmed. I will wait in a line on the street for great food, this place was not worth the wait, and even if there is no wait, not worth the price.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/14/2015

    "You know why I'm here"-Marshawn Lynch

    It's all about the burger!

    My niece has worked here for a little over a year, and kept telling me I should come to her restaurant. Being a recent western burb transplant, going back to the city was far down my list with the preponderance of restaurants I have yet to visit in my own back yard.

    I have read rave review after review about the burger here, and never connected the dots as this being the place my niece works. Once I realized this was the place, it skyrocketed towards the top of things to do when I make my way into the city.

    So, I needed something to do while I take my daughter & friend to Drakes concert at the United Center. Burger time! Went to Au Cheval. Very hipster scene. Seen a guy with capri pants & sandals, smh. But lively none the less.

    So I'm seated at the bar across from the grill, and next to prep area. All I could see were burgers flying everywhere! Some with this pork belly style bacon, others sans it; some singles, some doubles, even triples. And then they put a sunny side up egg on top!

    So trying to be in a health kick, no way I can eat this thing with a heavy dose of veggies. So I order the root veggie salad. It came out looking extremely decadent, but even more so delicious! And the goat cheese really set it off! I couldn't even finish it!

    On to the Burger.

    I got the double. Triple seemed too much, single not enough for full effect. I also get a side of the hash browns.....SOOOO GOOD! I couldn't stop eating them! But the burger is something ungodly; it's so good it must be wrong! You put it together & squeeze it to break the egg yolk, and it runs all down the sides of the burger! This was insanely good! I now understand all the hype. It's perfectly executed gooey goodness.

    Loved the ambiance. They play music on an actual reel-to-reel! Was VERY impressed with their hip hop selections on this Friday night. It was hard to leave. Loved this place!

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/21/2014

    So glad that Au Cheval was the latest stop on my quest to try all of the Hogsalt establishments. My sisters and I popped in for dinner last week and had a truly incredible meal that was worth the wait.

    While you're waiting here the waitresses are kind enough to pop around and take drinks orders for those waiting who are not seated at the bar. It gets pretty crowded because it's not a huge place but a drink while you wait definitely makes it more manageable.

    When we got seated we decided to a few things to get a sense of what they had to offer. We went with General Jane's Chicken, two Single Cheeseburgers one with bacon and egg, and the Crispy Fries. It was a TON of food and everything was outstanding. The cheeseburger was literally to die for and probably one of the best I've ever had. Their homemade pickles are the real deal and totally make the burger. The fries and chicken we were also equally great.

    The only real downside to our meal was that after we were served our waitress disappeared for about thirty minutes. We were ready to get the check and had to wait around for quite sometime and it was kind of annoying. However, it's not enough to keep me from coming back. Their burgers are worth the wait and the trip!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/27/2015
    1 check-in

    Well deserved to be the #1 in the nation for burgers!We had the single 1/2# it has 2 patties,and you gotta order it with the BACon and yes EGG!!! And the Fries!!!Next will try the chix wings!Few things they need to improved on though,more dining space,if they do this?,it'll be less wait,much less than 2 Hours!and they need to have hi chairs to,but you can get away by having a booth, so no worries .But yes it tasted like the #1 burger!"you will never look at the burger the same way again" lol

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/31/2015

    Eh.

    Wait:  Stopped at around 11:40 am on a Thursday put put my name in for a party of 4.  Told wait was 90 minutes to 2 hours.  Didn't believe it.  40 minutes later got a text that table was about ready.  Should have been suspicious then of their math skills.
    Ambiance:  As expected, like a small cramped bar.  Mediocre music cranked up way too loud.
    Service:  Efficient is the best I can say.  Told server this was our first time.  She didn't offer any explanations unless asked.  Menu has no descriptions.  3 of us ordered doubles, 1 ordered a single.  To our surprise, turns out doubles have 3 patties, singles have 2.  Huh?  Would have hoped the server might have explained that.  Table next to ours was just as confused by this place's math.  Only cheese is American.  Really?  Bacon was undercooked, not crispy.  Hash browns were virtually inedible; greasy and way over salted.  Should have sent them back.  Fries were a small portion for the price; also limp and greasy but at least not salted to death.  Burgers were ok, but not deserving of all the buzz.  No need to return.  There are better burger places all over the city.

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/5/2015

    Definitely NOT the 'best burger in America.' It's actually nowhere close. The best burger in America is the black label burger at minetta tavern and the runner up is the burger at nomad NYC. The best burger should be medium rare and come with no bells and whistles. Minetta & Nomad do not even use cheese to distract u from the delicious meat, they also assume medium rare. Here at au chevel they cook 2 thin patties medium. What makes me the most angry is that the Patties are frozen Sysco patties and covered with 2 slices of Kraft cheese. Yes, a Kraft single. One slice ontop and one inbetween the thin ass patties. Then, they cover it with djionaise which is mayo and mustard, and pickles. I swear it tastes exactly like McDonald's, how does this get rated 'best burger?' I would give it 'highest advertised.' No wonder it's so dark in there they don't want u to actually see the food.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/5/2015
    1 check-in

    Yum. We arrived at 10am on Sunday, and waited an hour for two. It was delicious, and worth the wait- order a Bloody Mary and you will be very happy with the bread and butter pickles.

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/18/2015
    12 check-ins

    I have written nothing but Five Star reviews for all of Brendan Sodikoff's restaurants -- I even got his Deli.  My favorite is Au Cheval, which is 3 blocks away from home.  At 60 I can't spend hours waiting in line for food that is likely to kill me so I always stand in line to wait for its opening.  It killed me when lunch service meant I couldn't line up at 5 pm -- I am 60 after all -- because the patrons could hold their tables by drinking for two hours.  Today I waited 25 minutes just like every one else.  My turn comes for my party of one.  There are tables available, but they show me to the bar.  I love you Brendan but that lacks class.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/20/2015

    Without a doubt worth the wait. Put your name in, go grab a beer (or three) at Haymarket or Lone Wolf, and then enjoy the crown jewel of Chicago that is the Au Cheval burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/25/2014

    #thisplaceisreallysmall
    #nowonderthewaitissolong
    #itbetterbegood
    #barseatsarenotmyfavorite
    #butiamhungrysowhatever
    #waitresshasmileycyrushair
    #friedbolognasandwichPLEASE
    #number1accordingtoChicagoMagazine
    #drinkslookgoodbutiamtoohungover
    #loaditup
    #grillittoperfection
    #piledhigh
    #mmmmeat
    #mmmbuns
    #feedmeyourbolognaload
    #thickandjuicy
    #specialwhitesauce
    #oozingallovermyface
    #ooeygooeycheese
    #iammakingamess
    #getinmymouth
    #mouthgasm
    #cannothandlethis
    #asgoodassexmaybeevenbetter
    #crispypipinghotfries
    #wordtoyourmutha
    #notnecessarycauseyoullbetoofull
    #nothingaboutthisishealthy
    #newfavoritesandwich
    #yestimesathousand
    #burgertimenexttime
    #yestherewillbeanexttime
    #manymanynexttimes

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/2/2015

    With the exception of the crazy wait time, this was a REALLY delicious experience! The single cheeseburger with bacon and eggs was seriously the best burger I have had. Do it the right way by having it just like they have it in the menu. I want try the gluten free version because the hash brown patties look amazing! Fries with an egg were also very good!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/28/2015

    We three all ordered the single cheeseburger. Two of us elected to add a fried egg, while the third, and most adventurous of the clan, added a fried egg and thick cut bacon #merica.

    The first few bites were all followed by complete silence and expressions that can only be characterized as a combination of ecstasy, shock, and then complete surrender to the symphony of deliciousness invading our mouths.

    The following are lines uttered from our poorly mannered, food filled mouths as we ate:

    1. Now that gay marriage has been legalized, how long do you think it will take for they allow me to marry this burger.

    2. I want to marry this burger and have burger babies with it . . . then eat those burger babies

    While looking at the burger in admiration and lust:
    3. I love you.

    4. I want to shrink myself and live inside this burger.

    Bottom line: The burgers are unreasonably delicious, the service is fantastic, and the selection of libations leaves little to be desired.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/25/2015

    "I'm all about that bacon, 'bout that bacon, no burger..."  I can't see how their cheeseburger is this famous without it!  Without the bacon, the burger is good but not great.  Yep, I just said that.  So don't forget to get the bacon!

    Now for the long version of my review...

    Wait time: 1 hour, at 5:06 PM on a Friday night.  We walked in, and there was already a line to put our name down.  Oddly, the whole restaurant was packed already, and there were people halfway done eating their burgers!  I thought this place opens at 5 PM??  There be some shady bidniz going on.  We went to a bar across the street to kill some time, and sure enough, we got a text about an hour later stating that our table will be ready next.

    Good lighting: If you're here at night and get seated at a booth, the overhead lighting is perfect for your Instagram pix!

    Food:

    Chopped salad - Comes with 2 pieces of their thick-cut bacon.  It's smoky, a little sweet, and incredibly decadent.  *happy wiggle*  Beware that although dill is scattered throughout, the flavor is not at all overwhelming.

    Crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy (and shredded duck meat) - Comfort.  Food.  Not super gamey.  It was definitely too much for 2 people to share and eat all the other stuff we ordered, but we did it anyway because YOLO.  

    Single cheeseburger (2 patties) - Satisfying.  The patties taste like & remind me of Shake Shack minus the crispy edges, but otherwise rather plain compared to my husband's burger (see below).

    Double cheeseburger (3 patties) - The fried egg and 2 slices of bacon cost extra.  The fried egg didn't really do anything for me.  Let's be honest: the egg is only for food porn because you can't taste it through all the other flavors.  Also, I think 3 patties is overkill with an egg and the super phat bacon.  I mean, it gets really messy, says my husband's hand which got coated in grease like paraffin wax.  Seriously, his whole hand was glistening that it was distracting.

    Side of fries, which comes with garlic aioli - This is a must!  Perfect size for two people.

    Total bill was just under $60 without drinks and before tip.  The next time I come back for the burger, I'm getting the single with bacon.  Or I'll just go to Shake Shack...

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/28/2014
    2 check-ins

    NOW I know why this place had a damn line and it wasn't even 11:30 am. Au Cheval's "single" burger has 2 super tender, flavorful beef patties that have just the right mix of salt, pepper, cheese and some special creamy sauce that is like a Ranch dressing surrounded by its own red, velvet ropes.

    Walked through the door around 11:11am and they were bumpin' Shuggie Otis' "Aht Uh Mi Hed", so this is already heab'n. 7 miles up.

    Are they're making entire cheeseburger batches instead of to order? Not that you could ever tell by the taste and quality, but they were quick to get it to table. I had mine within 5 minutes of sitting at the bar and it was the best casual burger I've had since the 1970's.

    But from a high end perspective, i still appreciate the Wagyu that The Capital Grille serves, but they have some strong competition breathing down their necks.

    The eating space is very limited but posh. I love all of the stainless steel kitchen action behind the bar and the red wine colored stylish booths by the window.

    And the punky, bespectacled, nice young lady who greets you at the door could easily fit in an early 80's Basquiat and Warhol documentary... and I just wish I could tag along.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/10/2014
    1 check-in

    Everything with an egg.  We started with the fries topped with an egg and a side of this dipping sauce and garlic aioli.  MUST GET.  The fries were fresh, crispy on the outside and light on the inside.

    I ordered a burger with egg and it did not disappoint.  Anything with egg is delicious! My friend ordered the bacon on the side and OMG.  Thick slabs of meat, candy covered with this sweet glaze.  It was so addicting I had to control myself.

    We finished the meal with this super amazing, wonderful, heavenly, melt in your mouth French custard for dessert.  The custard was light, the croissant flaky and buttery.  Goodness, it's worth every calorie ;)

    All the food was worth the hour wait, but the dessert would have really been worth it on its own!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/26/2015

    Au Cheval's a diner?! Yep! There are 10-12 tables in the back, but the front is all kitchen counter and booths. Booths are large enough to fit the entire SNL "Ditka vs hurricane" cast, so snag one and sink in, winter's fangs fading amid the soft cushions and tantalizing scent from the open kitchen.

    Dim-glowing candles are reflected in the large glass windows that protect you from the horror outside. Lounge back into that warm booth-diner Magic and admire the spectacular view of the Sears Tower. This weather used to murder our ancestors in their caves. Now it's a time-killing novelty, though coincidentally our meat arrives correctly and the same way they did.. rare as hell

    We made it by kitchen's midday close and watched as people continued in up to 20 minutes past last call. Celebrate with a cocktail.. or three. All were solid, and the Flapper the best of the three with the pepper-honey contrasts amidst the boozy gin-fernet combo.

    The burger is as fantastic as they say, better than Red Hot Ranch's 4/5 just nights prior. Cheval's has better acidity in the pickles as cheese runs out from under the bun. Of course we got the requisite bacon and egg. It's not as tangy as PDX's Slow Bar, but showcases a fantastic grind and incredible texture. An absolute must when in Chi.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/26/2015

    This is it. This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Whenever friends come to visit this is always in my top three places we are going to go for food. I take pride bringing folks who call themselves foodies here. Why? Everything on the menu is spot on. Everything. The cheeseburgers are the best in the city...and for me the best I've ever had. (Warning: order a single. A singe is a double. A double is 4 patties!!). The foie gras is amazing and it's home to my favorite bone marrow. When people tell me they haven't had bone marrow- I ruin it for them by bringing them here so they can start with the best.

    If you're feeling super hungry- the 32oz porterhouse with foie gras is the way to go. It's a monster and worth every dollar.

    On top of top notch food, their cocktails are made just right. Not too strong and not too weak. The atmosphere is dark and moody just like its sister restaurants High Five Ramen, Gilt Bar, California Clipper, Etc.

    This place is great for dates, birthdays, weekend hang outs, whatever!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/12/2015

    Too small burgers but tasty foods loved it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/5/2015

    3.5 hour wait. 1 person. I think I heard this before. Hey Parson's, do you own this place too?
    Really? For a burger...I mean you don't even have lettuce on this damn thing.
    I don't know about the service yet! But the patrons are D-bags. Hey Bro, I am just trying to order a beer. I ain't trying to C&@K block you from you next meal. (Doesn't look like your starving anyways).
    Don't get me wrong, the food looks amaze-balls but I don't think I am going to wait a year and a day for a burger.
    It does have a cool ambiance. The music is hip and different. I have a feeling I won't leave with a migraine, like another burger place in Avalon that I will not name. (Kuma's)
    So here is the "Hot Buy" for this place. Listen up!
    They have a beer here called "Shake". Holy S-H-Eye-Tee!
    Chocolate Stout, with hints of (get this) Cocoa Puffs and Vanilla. Bang! Screw the Burger. Get me another pint.

    Uh oh, I think they read my review already. (Literally 5 Minutes Later). I got a seat! Yikes. I hope they don't spit in my food.
    Review on the food soon to come.....
    Here it is! The review on the burger.
    First of all, if I am going to eat a burger it better in a word or two "have some BALLS" on it. This hamburger does not let down. I ordered the double aka triple burger with an egg and bacon. Did I say bacon? It was so thick I thought I was eating pork belly on my burger. It was massive. It was severed open faced for visual pleasure and oh' boy was it any eye full. This thing was the Cadillac version McDonalds Mc DLT's. I put this thing together and was super scared that I might need to unhinge my jaw just to eat this sucker.
    Never the less I wasn't turning in my man card just yet. I hunched over and took this monstrosity into my mouth. The burger exploded with every flavor imaginable. You could taste the meats, the pickles, the sauces, even the damn bun.
    As I ate it pieces of everything we're falling to the plate because it was so damn big. The best part was soaking up the egg yolk l and all the morsels on the plate.
    I wasn't going to waste my time with fries. I don't think it was possible after this edible work of art.
    The best part of this meal was that the "Shake" stout that I got went perfect with this perfected sandwich.
    I will be going back in the near future. Who needs lettuce, pickles, onion, sauce and a sesame bun when you have a gift from the Gods. Thanks!

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/11/2015 Updated review

    Last 3-4 visits the burger is too done, bun too toasted, and now a different type of brioche bun??

    Au Cheval will live and die by the consistency of their once simple, great, and consistent burger.

    Hope they figure this out soon!

    5.0 star rating
    8/16/2013 Previous review
    First off, two stars for service. Expect long waits and less than friendly staff intermixed with a… Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    5/4/2015
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Robble robble!

    I know I'm going to upset some with this review, but I've been twice and I don't think I'll go back.

    The first time I went was on a Sunday afternoon for some drinks with a friend, there was no wait and we got two stools at the bar. We sat there for a long time, and it wasn't even crowded. We stared at the bartender who didn't take notice of us and then we flagged her down after she made awkward eye contact. She explained that we had to order drinks with a server but she knew we had been waiting awhile and made an exception. We ordered our beers, mine was meh, and after awhile we waited again. It was sometime later that we were even acknowledged by a server despite our efforts. The line cooks (who shouldn't be doing any serving) were the ones who provided us with water. We got another round and asked for our check.

    I went about a week later for the food. We waited about 45 minutes for a table. The host was really friendly and we liked his selection of music. We ordered a burger (the single comes with 2 patties) and the English breakfast to share. The burger patties were cooked perfectly! But I personally thought the dijonnaise over powered everything. It's not like some other burger shops where it comes with LTO. There was the cheddar and then the dijonnaise. The English breakfast comes with sausage, beans, roasted tomato, which was all good- except for the EGGS! The eggs were cooked well but tasted like pure butter, and not in a good way. I couldn't eat it because it was so rich. I tried a few beers that night too and none of them blew me away, and considering the drinks are quite pricey that wasn't the best use of money. To top that off, I felt our server wasn't a happy camper, we certainly didn't feel welcome.

    There are so many things working for Au Cheval- atmosphere, decor, menu, the cooks are definitely talented- that it's a shame that the food didn't taste as good as it should (IMO). Considering the wait for a table here, I can't say that the food holds up for the effort required to eat here.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/22/2015

    Stop going there, please. Avoid it all costs. You're all making my waits there longer and longer. Four of us tried going there last night at 5:30 and there was a 3 and a half hour wait. No joke. It's so damn good, I went back today for lunch and got in a lot faster. Anyways, I'm kidding... it is my favorite burger.

    Au Cheval, definitely fits into the diner category, but it's an upscale, "trendy" diner. Think more whiskey, less coffee type of diner.

    So here's the deal about the burger. If you're a fan of more gourmet burgers, like Kuma's or Bad Apple, you might not understand why it's so damn good. If you like more griddle style burgers like In N' Out, Shake Shack, Meatheads, but want a better burger than that... you'll love Au Cheval.

    The burgers are thin, salty, delicious patties that will be dripping as you're tasting heaven. The single is a double patty, the double is a triple patty. It's delicious, it hits my spot like no other burger. Everyone has a different taste for burgers... for me, Au Cheval nails it.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/15/2014
    1 check-in

    I think I may have set the bar too high going into my first Au Cheval dinner experience. I did expect the long wait, but figured out quickly it's not necessarily the food reputation (which is obviously good), but the fact that they only have 15 tables plus bar! So not impressed by this. Part of my non-enthusiasm is fueled by our party of four being seated at a small table and not a booth - which made the experience uncomfortable. I don't know many people who enjoy constantly shifting things around on the table to make it all fit, desperately trying not to spill food in their lap because their plate is only half on the table. But I will say some of the booths looked roomier and I am envious of those people who luck out.

    For the food - everyone in my party got the burger so I decided to be different and go with the general Jane's fried chicken. Cooked perfectly, and sauce was like kapow in my mouth! I'm just not sure it was worth $17. Our side of fries to share was too salty and far from the best I've had. As far as drinks, we all ordered wine and I would recommend the southern right sauvignon blanc - very good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/27/2014
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chicago Must-Have

    Came here after a long bike ride, which means we were starving and didn't want to waste any time. Even around 5 PM on a weekday, this place was already pretty crowded. We were told that we'd have to wait about 30-45 minutes, but luckily we got a table within less than 10 minutes.

    We kinda already knew that we wanted the burger, so we ordered that and a special, limited edition item which the waitress recommended -- poached egg with smoked salmon spread, which was served with some grill-toasted bread. As one who really loves smoked salmon, I really enjoyed the spread. It was just smoky enough and not overly salty.

    The burger was amazing. It's not often that I use this adjective to describe burgers, since I'm somewhat of a burger snob. But this one blew my mind. I got it with bacon (two damn thick slices!), cheddar, and an egg. No, I wasn't being health conscious that day. But I certainly don't regret it, either.

    We also got an order of chicken wings, which I thought were good, and my wife thought were great. It had a nice touch of sweetness to them, kinda like Bon Chon wings, but not as crispy. Overall, I'd recommend these to anyone.

    Lastly, the service was excellent. The waitress was nice, prompt, attentive, and was able to recommend some good local beers to suit my taste.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    Best burger in the city!! Love the thick cut bacon or egg to add on the burger. Fries are great also. So excited they are opening a new spot in Bucktown for takeout or dine in.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    It is all that it is cracked up to be. No questions. Just go! The line is well worth the wait. I went pregnant (meaning my burger was well done) and it was still the best burger of my life.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 1.0 star rating
    7/5/2015

    HYPE. HYPE. HYPE. So, I went to grab a burger-to-go this afternoon since I've heard so much about this place. I was told that since it's busy they don't do carry out.  What?? On a Sunday afternoon? That's exactly when it SHOULD be available!!!

    Then on the way out I witnessed a fight break out in the line. Umm, seriously?

    $17 for eggs and tortilla chips (aka chilaquiles)?

    Maybe someone will clue them in on an effective business model that includes not turning away business (i.e. delivery and carry out).

    For a place that thinks American cheese and an egg make a craft burger, it's just not worth the hype. I'll take my business elsewhere.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/25/2015

    Yum!!!! Got the burger with bacon and egg on top.
    The bacon is very overpowering so I took one piece off and ate it on its own, which I recommend cause the bacon itself is amazing. The egg made it perfect. Everything was extremely extremely extremely salty so I knocked a star off for that. The burger could use slight more freshness like a slice of tomato. But overall definitely the best burger I have ever ate.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/15/2015
    11 check-ins

    As everyone else has yelped the burgers are simple and once you add the thick cut bacon, a perfect balance of smoky, salty, rich and cheesy awesomeness.  Aside from the burgers, fries and drinks I can't say I particularly like or dislike anything else on the menu, but what else do you need, lol.  The Vieux Bonal is greatness in a glass.  Try it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/7/2015

    If I could only eat one thing everyday for the rest of my life it would be Au Cheval's burger and fries! The 2 hour wait was well worth it in the end...This place has an old school diner vibe with an open kitchen behind the bar.  Classic hip hop tunes from The Roots, Jay-Z, Junior Boys, and Notorious B.I.G. flooded the speakers making the experience even more enjoyable.  The cooks were visibly having a great time while pumping out burgers by the dozens and made you feel welcome.  I recommend sitting at the bar and watching their craft! And for the wait...arrive two hours before you would like to eat, put your name in, and head on over to Bar Siena for a cocktail and apps.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/19/2015

    This was hands down the best burger I have ever had in my life...you absolutely have to get the fried egg and bacon on the burger!!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/21/2015
    1 check-in

    Rare 5 star from The Draft M man!  The place is great on a number of levels.  Power jams on the sound system, uber-friendly staff, cool vibe, great decor.  Oh...burgers are everything they are advertised to be.  Believe the hype.  On Par with the accolades!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/21/2014

    I took the ultimate burger-lover here earlier this week and it was definitely a good move. I mis-read the menu online; I thought that the kitchen re-opened at 3, but it is at 5, so we were quite early when we arrived at 4:15. Luckily, that meant that we had our selection of booths to choose from and were able to pick a couple of beers to try until dinner.

    The atmosphere is hispter (are we surprised?) and the interior is darker and smaller than I expected. There are probably 7 or 8 booths and then 8 - 10 tables that seat 2 or 3 people; no wonder the wait is always so long! We kind of got caught in a weird time where I think the servers from lunch were getting ready to leave and the dinner servers hadn't come in yet, so we waited a solid 15 minutes before someone came up to take our orders - and it turned out they were kind of just doing us a favor, because they left shortly thereafter.

    I was immediately impressed by the beer list. I found several Belgian beers that looked good and the server recommended two in particular, both of which I enjoyed (but I preferred the Urthel, and apparently so did Beyonce when she dined there). I'm not usually a burger person, but what else can you get on your first visit to this famed restaurant? Duh. I ordered the single, the man ordered the double, both of which are misnomers. They are a double and at least a triple, respectively. I added the fried egg and bacon and the man went classic.

    So how was it? Really good. The egg was a great touch, but I didn't care for the bacon; I prefer my pork fat salty rather than sweet and smoky. The fact that it was a slab rather than strips made it easier to eat with the burger, though. The egg was a nice touch. We agreed that it was the best burger in recent memory but we probably aren't willing to trek to West Loop to get it each time when we have some local Lincoln Park faves, too. I recommend the fries as a side because the garlic aioli is TO DIE FOR, but steer clear of the bread and butter pickles if you think they're going to be fried or dill. They're not either.

    This is WAY more than I intended to write, but all is to say that I think it's a must on any Chicago food bucket list, it was definitely worth going at 4:15 to get a head start on their awesome beer list, the fries were heavenly, and the burger lived up to the anticipation.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/25/2015

    Wait was long but so worth it. Sat at the bar & our waitress took great care of us. Tons of local brews & drink options. I had the cheeseburger & fries .... LIFE-CHANGING. Best burger I've ever had.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/7/2014
    1 check-in

    Been on a 5-star tear lately, which I'm definitely not complaining about.

    Came to Au Cheval for brunch on a Saturday. I was told by the locals that it was a very popular place, and that we should get there before it opened at 11am. Sure enough, we got there right at 1035, and there was already a line outside. Nonetheless, we managed to secure a booth for 4 in the front with no wait, since we were only about 4 spots back in the line. Throughout our meal, there were people coming in and out, and new parties coming in waiting for a new table, looking longingly in our direction. Heh. The diner-like atmosphere was very comfortable, although a little darker than I expected.

    We ordered the richest items on the menu even though we planned on hitting up Oak Street Beach after. I ordered the cheeseburger a cheval with bacon, and my friends ordered the duck heart gravy potato hash, fried bologna sandwich, and the small chilaquiles. We also got an order of fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and a fried egg on top, for the table. Brunch is served.

    After trying burgers from all over the country, I can say that the cheeseburger is one of the best I've ever had. First off, the single cheeseburger is actually a double patty. There is no lettuce or tomato (to my knowledge), but only pickle chips, cheese, and bacon (or an egg if you would like to add it). You would think it would be super rich, but the acidity from the pickles is strong enough to cut through the fattiness. Perfect. I was also fine that this didn't come with fries, mostly because we already got the order of fries for the table, and that the burger in itself was enough.

    The chilaquiles were a huge portion, and since the tortillas were thicker than usual, they didn't get soggy with the eggs and salsa verde. Also, the small portion was more than enough for just one person. The duck heart gravy potato hash was delicious, and had a very unique flavor. I thought there would be a strong iron taste, but the flavors and textures worked pretty well. I had a bite of the fried bologna sandwich, which was a bit salty for my taste, but I can see how it would really hit the spot if you were looking for salty, greasy goodness.

    Service was very attentive and friendly. French press coffee was great. Overall, just a really great experience. Next time I'm in Chicago, I will definitely make a trip back to try that bone marrow and fried chicken.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/26/2015

    Thin delicious little pickles, big buttery fried egg, thick, sweet bacon, pickled onions, and a patty cooked at medium. It's ridiculous. This burger makes people so happy. I love the records they played while we were there. The bartender didn't seem to know that any of us existed, but the waitstaff was preternaturally attentive. What a crazy, fucking burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/1/2015

    This place was so tasty!  The burgers here are definitely worth the wait and the best in Chicago!!!!  A "single" is actually two patties!  It was a little awkward waiting for our table since this place is not huge and they don't take reservations but we enjoyed a drink next door after putting our names in for the wait list.  I really wish they took reservations.  I have referred many people.  I could eat that garlic aioli with a spoon, that they give you with the French fries.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/28/2014 Updated review

    I sat at the counter for dinner and boy do I have so much respect for the chefs. I'm sure a lot of chefs at other restaurants are as efficient as Au Chevals but it was really cool to see it first hand through the open kitchen.

    I had the burger and fried with aioli sauce and they are just so delicious cooked perfectly, highly recommend.

    I've had the fries all 3 times I've been there and they're good every time. Why? Probably bc a chef tastes a sample of each fry that goes out to ensure each batch is cooked properly. Talk about excellent quality control.

    After watching the well oiled machine that are the chefs at au Cheval, I'll know my meal was carefully prepped and cooked for to provide consistent yumminess

    4.0 star rating
    8/29/2012 Previous review
    Some work friends and I stopped by Au Cheval after work around 530. We were able to get a booth… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    12/30/2014

    Au Cheval totally lives up to the hype! Would absolutely say the burger at Au Cheval is among, if not The, best burger in the city of Chicago.

    They don't take reservations, so if you are looking to go for dinner plan to wait a significant amount of time. We put our name in around 7:00pm on a Thursday and went around the corner for drinks while we waited for the text confirming our table was ready. We waited for ~1.5hours but it was totally worth the wait =). We were sat at the bar, which we ended up loving.

    For dinner we kept it simple and got:
    - Honey fried chicken: we were surprised at how delicious this chicken was! And the portion was huge - we ordered it as an appetizer and had a ton left over to take home. Warmed up deliciously the next day

    - Au Cheval burger, of course with bacon & a fried egg. The bacon was no less than 1/2 inch thick and was very tasty - my boyfriend ordered a side of it, as well. We also got fries, but hardly touched them.

    Will definitely be back for this amazing burger again!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/2/2015

    This is one of those rare situations where you disregard the comically long wait, shit attitude of the staff (worse than the door guys at Moda back in the day) and annoying customer base in order to enjoy the great food. For fans of Chinese food, the fried chicken appetizer is as good as it gets, and the burger's reputation is well deserved.

    I docked one star because I was so hungry one night that I couldn't wait 2.5 hours (like I said...comically long) and got stuck eating garbage at grange hall a few doors down (don't fall into this trap)...jk about the star...it's because of the shit attitude.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/15/2015

    YES! This place is worth the wait.. Even if it is a 2 hour wait, put your name in, go have a drink at Haymarket and wait! By far the best burger in the city! Ideal order is to start with the chopped salad with bacon, than the burger with an egg and bacon on top and the French fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and egg.. YUM! But honestly, no matter what you get here everything is delicious! And Chef Giuseppe is awesome, hopefully he's working when your there!!

    Oh oh and you must try a pickle back shot! Shot of Irish whiskey first and chase it with a shot of pickle juice.. May sound gross but it's so delicious!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/29/2015

    God bless this place. I wish they opened one in Texas. I would be here every day.

    Get the burger and the fried chicken. You won't regret it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/12/2015

    Went for lunch on a Friday with a couple friends, we arrived at 12:30 & host said it would be 1-1.5 hour wait, which they text u when your table is ready, so you can hit another bar if it's packed inside. We stayed, they have 10-15 draft beer choices that I was happy with.

    Ok, the food..."make your tongue want to slap your brains out". We started w beef bone marrow which was delightful with thick cut garlic bread. Then had General Jane's fried chicken, this had a great Asian heat with sweet bbq sauce that gives kickass balance. I also had half, bc I shared the double cheeseburger w thick crispy juicy bacon, fried egg & cheese. When I took my first bite, my initial reaction was, where in top 5 burgers do I put this amazing fresh tasting burger. Burger itself looks cheap or like smash steak burger, but was complete opposite. Then for side, had fries w garlic aioli w fried egg on top, wasn't too spectacular but can't complain.

    Waitstaff was cordial, had great variety of music & relaxed vibe inside. Highly recommend this place & will definitely be visiting again.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/25/2015

    Phenomenal burger .. Everything you have may have heard is true! Their burgers are delectable!! Two other favorites of mine are their herb salad and homemade ranch dressing..to dip your fries! So good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/29/2015

    Heard they have the best burger in Chicago and being the foodie I am, I had to try it. It's on the pricier side but well worth it. This place is a real treat. Quality ingredients.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/23/2015

    While doing some late night wandering around Randolph St some friends and I stumbled upon Au Cheval. The bar is smaller then some of the others in the area, but the atmosphere is great, with plenty of booths for groups of friends grabbing drinks.  The bar had plenty of seating for smaller groups or those enjoying a beverage solo.

    Service was quick, cocktails were tasty, and the burger and fries were the best decision I made that night. Definitely stop in here for drinks AND even better- for a late night dinner/snack- when checking out bars on Randolph st.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/20/2014

    The food is amazing.  People at work rant and rave about this place so the BF and I went.  We had the brat appetizer.  It's not enough for a meal but perfect of our app.  We both had a double burger and it was massive, order the single.  The server was soooooo nice and personable.  She recommended the hash brown bun and egg on top for me.  OMG she was right.  I've never had an egg on a burger but it was amazing.  The hashbrown bun is really a thick hash brown.  It works well with the burger.  You don't need fries on the side.  

    The only downfall of this place is they don't take reservations and it's super packed all the time.  WE were there on a Thursday at 8pm.  We thought it would be safe that late at night...nope.  We didn't get seated until 9pm.  We walked out at 1030 completely stuffed.  

    If we go back, we'll definitely expect to wait and go hungry.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/25/2014 Updated review
    4 check-ins

    Sunday brunch consisted of the trumpet mushroom, kale, and morel jack cheese omelet with a side of fries for me and chilaquiles for my friend.

    That might be the best omelet I've ever had.  It was perfectly shaped, buttery, and delicious.  I'm now giving other omelets the side-eye.  My friend's chilaquiles also looked very good, though I did not taste them.

    3.0 star rating
    10/14/2013 Previous review
    Au Cheval kinda made me wish I liked beer.  There were so many different varieties, but for better… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    6/29/2015

    Everyone knows this place's reputation for great burgers and long waits. I happy to say neither are exaggerated. We were ok with the wait because could put our name in on the way home, relax and change at home, and walk back over at around the time our table was ready. We put our name in about 5pm on a Sunday, and it was about a 1.5hr wait from that point, so the timing worked out nicely. By the time we were seated though they were quoting people 2.5 t o 3hr waits.

    As to the food, I was fully prepared for it to be good, but over-hyped. And I guess you could rightly argue that no food is worth a 3hr wait. But if you have a way to kill some time, it is WELL worth the wait. The burgers are really fantastic. Giant, fork and knife ordeals with the approximate weight and density of a black hole. Other stuff on the menu looked good too, but the burgers are the main attraction. We got one with egg and one with bacon, and both were excellent. Though I don't know that the burger really needs either. It would be just as good without. Also, my two cents is always get the single not the double. The "single" is already two patties, and the double felt like.. maybe 6 patties. Its more than I or most other humans really needed, and the single was every bit as good. We shared fries too, which were also outstanding. Briny and crispy and served with a spicy mayo type sauce. They also have a lot of good beers which you can sip out front while waiting in line. The environment is small, fun and loud. Great place, deserves its cult status.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/25/2015

    My friends LOVE this place. Everyone comes here for the burgers (add bacon, always with bacon). I don't eat beef, but I'll eat the ish out of chicken! lol. The crispy chicken wings are sooooooo good. Drenched in honey chili sauce, wings remain crispy! Shared with a friend and we couldn't finish..because...

    We also ordered the chicken liver, butter, and toast. Chunky/chopped chicken liver, just a different take on chicken liver.  Uh.....omg this is so good. I had to refrain from eating all of it (that can't be good for you, right)?

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/9/2015
    1 check-in

    Good food but poor & inattentive service and filthy ice!! I'll try the bone marrow next time

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/21/2015
    2 check-ins

    Very good food! Love their simple green salad, a great alternative to french fries that won't disappoint...

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/16/2015

    Okay, obviously Au Cheval probably doesn't need another review, but holy moly. WHAT an amazing burger. More than that, though, I found everyone to be super friendly-- the host, my waiter, the delightful woman sitting next to me who helped guide me through the menu. And! I had a great beer for only $5. My big tip is, if you can swing it, go alone at a semi-off time, and you can slide right onto a bar stool with no wait time. If not, be prepared for a long (but worth it!) wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/19/2015

    This is a casual diner and they don't take reservations. Overall, I enjoyed my meal. I had the matzo ball soup, sweet and tangy chicken (love the sauce and generous portion), and the famous burger. The burger was good, but not mouthwatering. The fried egg and the bacon is a LA carte which I think it adds another $10 to the base price of the burger. It's a good burger but I wouldn't say it's the best. Btw, walked into there Sunday night at 9pm and it was a 2.to 3 hours wait.... good luck!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/18/2015
    1 check-in

    So my husband and I thought we panned our timing to get a seat here perfectly when we came in around 4pm. We thought we would beat the dinner rush. Well we did, but we didn't realize that the kitchen closes between 3-5pm. So that basically meant that we would drink for an hour before we could order food. So we started off at the bar. They were finishing making up some last minute orders before the kitchen closed so it still smelled delicious. We pretty much stayed and ordered some drinks. I liked their forbidden root, root beer.

    A few more tables cleared up a little before the kitchen reopened and we were able to move to a booth. We both ordered cheeseburgers which were juicy and delicious. We also ordered the crispy fries with the farm fresh egg on top: crispy and just a little runny. Will need to go back for sure and a few drinks 45 min before the kitchen reopens isn't such a bad wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/7/2015

    Looks closed when you approach it, but look inside for a new age blast from the past diner full of delicious drinks and a wide variety of different people.

    What I like most is the different drinks, but the service can use improvement. The check in was around the corner and it felt like a troll was sneaking up on you and the waiter had a hard time with basic arithmetics. It's pretty easy to split a check but she thought it might be too burdensome. Would come here again to try their food.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/9/2015

    Was okay, everything's was cooked in pig grease including the fries in which I sent back considering I like my fries to taste like potatoes not pig. If you love piggy flavor you will love this place... Not the best burger I've had (try dirty burger up the street...amaze).

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/16/2014

    The hype is real!

    I went with my girlfriend went to Au Cheval on a Friday exactly at 5, when the kitchen was supposed to be open. I am guessing they opened a little earlier than listed and all the tables were FULL!! We were still happy to sit at the bar to watch the kitchen, but I am assuming parties of 5 or 6 are the max at this restaurant.

    It was so entertaining watching the kitchen, especially the guy on hamburger duty.. it seems EVERYONE and their mothers ordered the hamburger! I opted for the bone marrow and beef cheek marmalade which is divine! My girlfriend ordered the burger and was so happy! Hamburger orders do not come with fries, but there was so much food already and service was so friendly that we didn't need it. One of the chefs was so friendly we chatted a bit and gave me more toast (free) for my beef cheeks.

    It was an amazing experience and we WILL come again!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    Best burger I've ever had. We went at 10 pm on a Tuesday night thinking the wait wouldn't be too bad, but it ended up being a two hour wait. While the burger was outstanding, the service felt a bit rushed. Definitely not a good choice if you're looking to relax and enjoy a more low-key meal, but the burger is incredible.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/25/2015

    Great burgers, long wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/13/2014

    After reading reviews and drooling over photos for the past few moths, I finally ventured to the infamous Au Cheval on a weekend trip to Chicago.

    Sunday night at 8pm and the wait was already 1.5/2hrs. Thankfully we were prepared and headed across the street to entertain & feed ourselves in the meantime.

    about an hour and 20 minutes in, we were summoned over and hastily reached our table practically drooling already.

    Service was friendly and well-timed. Atmosphere was that of an upscale, trendy diner. All in all quite pleasing after an extremely long wait.

    Food:

    -Burger: Fully loaded, double-decker, king of fastfood burgers everywhere. While it was sure a pretty sight, it wasn't the best burger I've had. I typically like my burgers more on the medium rare side and this was far from that. Both patties were fairly dry and flavorless, making biting into this monster far from perfect.

    -Fries: Fantastically crisped in duck fat, these fries stole the show. Some of the best fries I've ever had, and if I ever returned to Au Cheval, it would be for them alone.

    All in all, while a top notch "diner" experience, Au Cheval did not blow me away. Their burger is far from perfect and in my opinion, does not warrant a 2 hour + wait. I would maybe return for those fries though..

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/28/2015

    What has not been said about these burgers?  The burger was awesome and lived up to everything I had heard and read.  I loved the sauce and chopped onion and pickle slices.  

    I am looking forward to going back asap.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/5/2015

    Waited 3.5 hours for some of the best fries. Amazing garlic aioli. Great food. Giant portions. Decent price.

    Docked a star for the ridiculous wait and the very very loud music.

    All in all, it was worth it. Though if I'd ever go back, I'd be sure to go early to avoid such a long wait.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/5/2015

    The only complaint I have about Au Cheval is that, after eating their cheeseburger, it is unlikely I will ever be able to be satisfied sexually again.

    On a serious note, though, be sure to be prepared for long wait times. The host will take down your name and number and shoot you a text when your table is ready, but you will likely have to put in your name 1-2 hours prior to being actually seated. Luckily there are options aplenty nearby to grab a drink and kill some time.

    Seriously get the burger.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/27/2014
    1 check-in

    This is what Jimmy Buffett must have in mind when he sings about cheeseburgers in paradise.  Perfect bun-to-meat ratio, cheese melted to perfection, fresh bun, crisp cold pickle spear.  If I were on death row, I'd be dialing Au Cheval with my "last meal" order.  

    Not inexpensive.  A single burger and fries (with water to drink) came to $22 with tax and gratuity, but if you're still smiling four hours after lunch, it's money well-spent, friends.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/26/2015

    (4.5) We waited 3 hours but what I really liked was you didn't have to be present to keep your place, so we were able to do a lot of things. we all got the cheeseburgers with fried egg and seriously enjoyed it- our only complaint would be the burgers were pretty messy! The service was awesome given how crowded it was and I think we seriously enjoyed our visit. I would just recommend planning at least half to day for this adventure though.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    11/28/2014
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Chicago...

    Unreal cheeseburger! While getting a spot inside was a little less spectacular, I managed to grab the lone seat at the bar. 3:30 on a Sunday afternoon and the place was jammed. However, a couple Stone Sublimley Self-Righteous's, eccelctic electro background music, and a low-key hipster atmosphere eased the shoulder to shoulder awkwardness. Service was a bit underwhelming, but they were full up, and I can hardly knock them. The Burger au cheval, accompanied by bacon and egg (extra), was officially the best burger I've ever had. Every freaking thing about it was magical. What else can one say?! Worth every dollar and minute of waiting. Meat, cheese, egg, thick cut bacon, and bun....Heaven @ Au Cheval!

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/16/2015

    Good burger, not great service, great beer selection.

    Even if the most casual of places I'm not cool with being greated with a 'What's Up, Hommies?' by the server.  It's even worse that was only one of two times we saw her the entire meal.  

    Quarters are pretty tight and lines typically are long so keep that in mind if you head there with a party larger than four.

    I'd definitely head back if I was in the area but not if it meant waiting for more than 10 minutes.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/4/2015
    1 check-in

    A good diner, but not much more.

    The environment:

    Very trendy, but loud. So if you are tired of listening to you partner, this place could work :)

    The food:

    Chicken liver : surprisingly tasty! This comes with A LOT of bread, so take that into account - if you are trying to avoid carbs, avoid this dish.

    Single burger: This is actually surprisingly mediocre. Almost no vegetables, and the meat itself is just not that good. Do not order the burger here. The other options are much better.  

    3-layer cake: OK, not amazing. not much to say here...

    Worth visiting, but not a must.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/20/2015
    1 check-in
    Listed in Burger Bliss

    The burger is legit here. It is surprisingly simple and I think that's part of why I like it so much. They don't hide behind a wall of various ingredients to hide anything. Add the fried egg and bacon for extra awesomeness. The presentation of the egg is delightful as there is a light sprinkling of finely diced green onions. Seeing it that way makes you not want to destroy the work of art. Eating that bacon is out of this world too. Those slices are ultra thick, are lightly crisped, and have a nice balance of meat and fat. French fries are tasty as is the garlic aioli dipping sauce. The beer menu is solid as well. Unless you're a huge craft beer junkie, you will most likely find a beer you haven't heard of before. Definitely a good chance to try a new beer and enjoy an awesome burger. I will gladly come back to enjoy myself again... and I suggest you do the same. Go during off hours or prepare to wait in line forever.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/18/2015

    Simple, elegant, excellent. Do restaurants get better than this? Everything on the menu is delicious, including the peculiar-sounding duck heart gravy fries. Whatever else you get, make sure you try the burger (quite possibly one of the best no-frills, meat, cheese, and egg burgers in the city). The drink menu is also surprisingly comprehensive (they have interesting wines).

    The decor is dark, the environment is loud (btw solid music playlist), and the place - being small - is ALWAYS CROWDED. There are no reservations and wait times are as legendary as you've heard. Despite the wait and the higher price the quality of the food and experience makes every penny and every hour wait worth it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/27/2015

    This is an outstanding burger.  The meat to cheese to bun ratio is nearly perfect and it'll make you forget about your quick and dirty fix, ketchup, for the rest of the day.  The cheese and dash of Dijon are a wonderful departure from most other burgers out there.

    It's one of my staples when visiting Chicago, but definitely go at off-peak hours.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/20/2015

    My boyfriend and I went late on a Sunday night, waited about 20 minutes for a seat at the bar.
    From there, we had full view of the line-cooks while they grilled a hundred burgers at time, while frying bacon, pulling buckets of fries out of the fryer, plate and serve the dishes - all the action was happening right in front of us.

    You wouldn't have this view if seated in a table/booth, but in the case of it being the two of us out for dinner, I was enjoying the show.

    The atmosphere is sultry and sexy, the music is energetic and trendy.  And being that I am an "experience-oriented" reviewer - I loved all of this.

    My boyfriend is the foodie, and I always write on his behalf:
    Burger was solid, bacon is thick and tasty, but will overpower the taste of the burger.  The fries were good, and the chopped salad with bacon and egg was very flavorful - almost overwhelmingly so.  
    Overall, highly recommended.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/14/2015
    1 check-in

    I was visiting a friend in Chicago and we came her for brunch on my last full day in town.

    The recommendation from the group was to "Try the Burger" and I did!! YUMMERS!! It has a fried egg on it and is a mess to eat but it is so damn good!! I was thinking that it was going to be too rich for so early in the morning, but it was so good that I didn't care!

    I would say that my only issue with this place, that it is SUPER SMALL in there! Don't go with a large group! I felt like I was sitting at the table next to me! That part was no bueno....

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/22/2015
    1 check-in

    The best burger I've ever had!!! It's amazing! Get there early though. There's usual lines and the diner is quite small, seating merely 25-30.

    The bone marrow is terrific and succulent and the tuna tartar Is special.

    I've only had the burger there and it was by far my favorite burger in Chicago! So juicy and delicious. The thick cut bacon is a must and I recommend holding off on the egg because it makes quite the mess.

    Absolutely recommend trying it at least once!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/23/2015

    Favorite burger in Chicago. General Jane's chicken also great. They always over estimate the wait time by about double. Great vibe, music, staff.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/23/2014
    1 check-in

    I was convinced this place wouldn't live up to the hype. Maybe that helped my experience. I actually went in almost expecting to hate it. I was in love!

    We arrived right around 4:30pm on a Saturday. I think that's key here. Get there right at or before 5pm to avoid the wait. It's WAY smaller than I thought inside. It's also so much prettier than I expected. No joke, this place could make you fall in love with whoever you are with!

    The Hemingway daiquiri was life changing. I had 2 even though I clearly should of only had 1. It was worth the headache the following morning. The beer list is decent. Some of the staff wasn't all that helpful with it though.

    We ended up splitting the single (actually a double) cheeseburger, fries with garlic aioli and mashed potatoes with gravy. We added the bacon and fried egg on the burger too.

    This bacon was out of control. I don't know how they made it taste so good. Hands down the best bacon I've ever had if that makes any sense.

    Unless you can eat massive amounts of food I would say splitting is the way to go here. Although, it was so good I probably could have done it.

    Service ranged from amazing to snotty. It was weird. Whatever. The music was good. The lighting was perfect and it's the best night I've had in years!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/9/2015

    Wait was ridiculous but well worth it in the long haul. Burger was amazing and rootbeer float equally as good!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/8/2014

    Best burger in America.

    I cannot vouch as I don't eat meat but mostly b/c the person who got the burger at my table did not share.  That's a strong endorsement!  He ate that burger as slowly and carefully as possible so he could savor every lovin' molecule of it.  The next day he said, "I hope you really liked that omelet because I'm going to want that burger again and again!"
    I believe my boyfriend when he says that.  He's a bit of a burger connoisseur.

    That being said like all of the other Brendan Sodikoff joints this one is amazing!  Great service, cool atmosphere, and the food and drink is outstanding.

    My omelet was maybe the best omelet I've ever had.  It was cooked to perfection!  We also shared some fries which were great.  My friend tried the fried chicken b/c the chicken at Bavette's is so great.  It was very good but too spicy!  My other friend got the sausage and mashed potatoes.  
    We all started with a horse's neck and then tried and old fashioned.  They were wonderful.

    I'm sure we'll be back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    This place was def a favorite when I visited Chicago. The ambiance is chill, laid back and perfect to start your night out. The chilli is a must have it comes with a bag of Fritos so make sure to bring your appetite or play puff puff pass prior. The staff was very friendly and had honest suggestions that were on point. Beers on point. Overall an amazing place. Wish they were in Miami.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/13/2015

    Best burger in the city...well it's up there! Super cute burger spot! Good service, simple menu, quick and efficient!  (Staff not very friendly tho...they seemed unhappy...maybe an off day) Go when they open because if not, expect to wait upwards of 1 1/2 hour! Most definitely a once a month visit...on my cheat day! lol

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/6/2015

    I had recently seen this place on a top ten list for best hamburgers in the US and so we thought, 'Why not?'
    First, there was an hour wait at 10:45 on a Sunday. We decided to put our name on the list and walk around. The host promised to text us when they had a table. We actually checked back in before he texted and they had 2 seats at the bar, perfect.
    We got to watch them prepare everything, and it looked mouth watering the whole time we were waiting for our food. We both got the Burger a cherval with cheese, bacon, and a sunny side up egg. It also came with homemade pickles, dijonaise spread, and chopped onions. We got an orders of Fries
    with mornay sauce, garlic aoli, and another sunny side up egg. Everything was as good as advertised. This place may have ruined me for burgers anywhere else. There is no need for additional condiments, the whole burger is perfect as is (and this comes from someone who thinks EVERYTHING needs additional condiments). Can't say enough good things about this place.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/30/2015

    The best burger I have ever eaten. This place is amazing. They don't take reservations so make sure you are okay with waiting or try for a brunch timeslot.

    Little Goat bakery is next door if you need to grab coffee while you wait.

    Worth going back - it's mind blowing.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/9/2014

    One word: pickleback.

    Great, great bar. Au Cheval popped my pickleback cherry with their Irish whiskey and home-made brine, but oooh was it so good.  The bar has other great features such as a wood-toned, leather interior, intimate seating, and fantastic, albeit spunky, servers.  My friend and I had eaten before coming here hence only had drinks and fries (which are delectably crispy), but the burgers looked amazing (with that perfect egg on top).

    I highly recommend!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/3/2014
    2 check-ins

    Au Cheval is a shrine to protein and fat, in the best way possible.

    Take a quick look at their menu, and you will notice that they only have one vegetable dish. Everything else is an ode to heavy, heavy protein, mixing classic diner comfort food with classy French flair.

    I would recommend everything I've tried, but my favorite appetizers have been the chopped chicken liver, bone marrow (which comes with a deliciously tangy beef cheek marmalade that cuts the unctuousness of the marrow), and foie gras with scrambled eggs. All of them come with thick-cut, buttered toast...believe me, it's easy to overdo it on that bread...

    I know many people swear by Au Cheval's burger, and I agree it is very good, but in my opinion, the fried bologna, piled high on a bun and oozing with melted cheese, is the superior sandwich.

    The only downside to Au Cheval is the wait: I've come here early and late, week days and weekends, and have never had to wait less than 30 minutes for a table. Oh, and let's hope you didn't have big plans following dinner, because you might be to full too move...

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/22/2015

    Best burger in the city to date - got mine with both the egg and bacon, but next time I'd just stick to the egg (bacon was too fatty, in my opinion). I've heard horror stories about the lines, but we were seated pretty quickly. My only other complaint is that the booths are kind of cramped, but they're working with the space that they've got, I guess. Five stars are reserved for places with impeccable service as well as food and I don't remember the service being memorable, but I'd give this place 4.5 stars if I could.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/15/2015

    Best burger of my life.  Period. I got the double, which is actually a triple with an egg and bacon. Didn't think it was humanly possible to eat it bc it was so huge but I managed! Long wait but you can sit next door at the Lone Wolf bar and they will call you, no reservations. Waited about 40 minutes on a week night early (5 or 6pm)

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/19/2015

    I wasn't thrilled with my first time here.... but everyone I was with order for the group. It was defiantly good, and I think I need to go back and try some other things. The atmosphere was fun, but don't expect to have much of a conversation!

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/27/2015

    Love the food but the service is terrible, I will never come back again. Keep in mind, I never give 1 star, my avg is 3-5. It was 12:28 a.m., I was with 4 other ppl and waiting for another person to close his tab across the street, they wouldn't seat us even though there were a ton of open tables. I knew it was late and they were closing soon, so I tried telling the host I already had his order so we can get things going, still wouldn't seat us. Sat at the bar (had about 10 seats open) and they were like sorry you can't sit here either if your whole party isn't here. I told her I didn't care if he sat alone, I was hungry and wanted to order. Still made us get out of the empty seats. Then when he got there 10 min later, she sat the 6 of us in a small ass booth that should really sit 4. Also can't order to go, annoying. So we just sat at the small ass table, 3 people ate their burgers and the rest of us just took it to go.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/9/2014

    After venturing out to the Windy City my friend wouldn't stop raving about this spot! She made me promise that I'd try it before I left. Best. Promise. Ever.

    Cheese burger had thick cuts of bacon. I mean thick, like Nicki Minaj thick.. Real, solid cuts of piggy bacon fat. Ridiculous, they killed the bacon game son!

    80/20 fat content just how I like my burgers, serious cheddar with a bite that'll make you recognize and respect the cheese.
    Sweetness and pepper of the bacon was game over.
    Double party definitely a plus, friendly people all around.

    Didn't do parking took LYFT, was too satisfied to notice their lot-situation.

    Foie gras scrambled eggs w/ Carmelized onion is un-mother-fckn defeated. 110-0 UNDFTD! Amazing meal

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/30/2014
    1 check-in

    We FINALLY got in for brunch here after trying 4 times! Usually the wait is longer than we are willing to wait. I guess we were just more patient today. But anywhoooo, it was a yummy experience.

    The four of us ordered burgers, which were delish. No need to go on and on about it. All you need to do is read all the other reviews about how crazy amazing the burger au Cheval is! I have had other burgers in Chicago that were as tasty, so I wouldn't say this was the absolute best I've ever had....but it was certainly just as good as any other "best".

    We also tried the fries and that incredible aioli, the chilaquilles, and the salad. The chilaquilles was ridiculously yummy, as was the salad. I mean like, outstanding! So glad we finally were able to have the au Cheval experience.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/2/2015

    These burgers are some of the best I've ever had. They haunt my dreams, and my mouth started watering just writing this review. Thick cut bacon, egg on everything, and delicious fries. The cocktail menu is nothing to sneeze at either.

    Giving a place a poor rating because it is difficult to get a seat is the same as dropping your favorite band because everyone loves them now. Let's all get indignant over this injustice.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/16/2015

    Best burger in the country? Nah. It's decent, for sure good, but not the best among all burgers. I actually maybe wasn't able to enjoy it after the server we had Alice was just so uncaring and she just seemed tired and annoyed to be there, so that resulted in her being cold and a bit rude. I mean give this place a try, just know service might suck.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/12/2014
    3 check-ins

    Burger shmurger, the real gem here is the bone marrow dish!!!
    Of course we tried the burger (with egg) and yes, we enjoyed it, but it's pretty simple and I prefer burgers with interesting toppings or meats. This burger has 2 thin patties, where I prefer a thicker, single juicy piece.
    Next was the bone marrow dish with beef cheek marmalade. 3 giant bones, 1 extra deep, all perfectly buttery with just enough salt and pepper.
    The marmalade did not taste distinctly of beef checks, but a rich and slightly sweet flavor that ideally cut through the marrow's butteriness. All this on slightly salty buttered thick toast, with a few parsley leaves is TO DIE FOR. And all that for $18!! Such a great deal for such a generously portioned dish.
    Pairs very well with the extensive and interesting beer selection.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/12/2014
    6 check-ins

    We went to Au Chevel on a Saturday night. Been here at least a couple dozen times for dinner, lunch & brunch   and have the system down-  put our name in,  give the phone number to be texted when ready,  park the car and then visit all of the other bars,  and other  places in the area while you are waiting.  

    The best place to sit in my opinion is at the end of the bar which is the seat I request and will wait for,  from that vantage point you can listen to the music,  and watch the chef and cooks do the magic they do in creating a memorable meal.  They are having a great time and it is a good show.    

    Love the burgers, chieken & fries,  have tried all of the items on the menu.  Don' forget the chilaquilles if you are out late!  

    One of the best things to order and watch being made  is the Raw Salad-  root veggies quickly sliced on a mandolin with a dijon based vinaigrette dressing. Highly recommend getting that with your meal.   .

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/21/2015

    There is a reason why this place has absurdly long waits.  The cheeseburgers are as good they get. I have been here twice and got the cheeseburgers with all the fixing (fried egg, pork belly,etc.). Both times left me in awe and planning my next trip here. The price for the cheeseburger, if you get all the extra stuff, is slightly higher than most burger joints, but it is definitely worth it.  I have also tried the duck heart gravy hash and the roasted bone marrows. They were good, but nothing special. The cheeseburgers are special though.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/8/2015

    I attempted to go Au Cheval a couple of months ago for dinner, but the wait was 2 hours, so my friends I decided to go somewhere else.  After a failed attempt, I went today as soon as it opened at 11am and there was no wait!  Hooray!  My friend and I shared the single cheeseburger, crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and fried farm egg and general jane's honey-fried chicken with chili, sesame seeds and cilantro.  I was worried that the burger was overhyped, but luckily it was really good and exceeded my expectations.  The meat was perfectly cooked.  The service was great.  Our server suggested the chicken and I'm so glad he did.  My friend liked the chicken more than the burger!  I will definitely be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/27/2015

    Absolutely love this place. Visited last year for Sunday brunch with a party of 4 and we had no wait at all. I ordered the crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy. Delicious. My coworkers and I came for lunch a few months ago and I split the hash and a burger with one of them. We all loved the burgers and the potato hash was as good as I remembered. The service here is always on point and the food comes out quickly as well. Prices are definitely reasonable given the quality and quantity of food. Will most likely be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/8/2015
    1 check-in

    I went to Au Chavel last night with a friend. When we arrived there was a 90 minute wait which I wasn't too thrilled about... But, to pass some time we ran next door to the Lone Wolf for a few beers as Au Chavel was packed!. They texted us saying our table was ready about an hour later and we were seated almost immediately at a small table in the corner.

    The beer menu is a good one. I consider myself a well-traveled beer drinker yet I had heard of very few of the 30 beers on the menu. This allowed me to try something completely new! As for the food menu, it is a little sparse. There are a handful of sandwich/burger options and a few other things BUT I had been told that their burgers are incredible so I went with a single burger with a friend egg and a side of hashbrowns.

    When the burger arrived it looked amazing and my first bite did not disappoint either! The burger was cooked perfectly and it was as delicious and creamy and greasy and everything I could have ever imagined this burger to be! They didn't ask how I wanted it cooked and it didn't matter either because it was perfect in every way! I take that back. It came with pickles on it and I hate pickles... As for the hashbrowns, they were delicious too! I actually had to pick whether to finish the burger and leave half the hashbrown or finish the hashbrowns leaving half the burger. I opted to finish the burger...

    Overall, the burger is fantastic. It would be too bold of me to say this is the best burger in the City of Chicago but boy is it close! It's better than anything I have ever gotten at Rockit, DMK, or Kumas. I'll definitely be back for another someday but I might need to wait awhile as I'm still full from this meal. Five stars!

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/18/2015
    1 check-in

    I'm giving it a 4 because there was a 2 hour wait to be seated because the restaurant itself is so small. There's maybe about 25 tables total. We went across the street to Haymarket pub for some drinks while we waited.
    Once we got the text saying our table was available, the service was great. It didn't take long to get our food. We ordered the single burger (which has 2 patties) with a bacon and egg on it. It was was delicious. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly.  It definitely lived up to the hype.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/24/2015

    Good bar, great food a bit too much attitude/annoyances.  I get it, you're really popular right now, but our server had zero personality and seemed annoyed that we were even there.  On top of that:

    - we weren't' allowed to sit at a booth because we only had three of our four people there at the moment (if we're getting a booth why does it matter if one spot was empty... we would have had a booth if we said our party was three people only?)
    - we waited at the bar for 20 minutes before a server took our drink order (not a bartender)
    - our server once we sat down wouldn't let us split the check on more than one card

    I love the food here, but not enough to put up with slow/poor service and we've had the technology to easily split bills between credit cards for decades.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/10/2015

    There isn't much to say about this place that hasn't already been said. It's one of the best burgers around. Get it as is, and add bacon and egg if you want. The bacon is extra thick. The hash browns are amazing and the smashed potatoes are even better; very rich. Service is great, ask for Ryan during the day. Tons of beer, great vibe. Go for lunch and miss the long waits. Late night? Good luck getting in.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    I mean it's the best burger you will get in the city. Not much more to say, besides make a reservation 2-5 hours in advance before going.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/26/2014

    Kumas, lockdown, leadbelly, all good dont get me wrong. But the best burger in chicago belongs to au cheval. Get it with an egg, bacon or just how it comes. Its all good.  

    Fries with the egg, super awesome.  

    Everything else on the menu looks unbelievable but i cant get away from the burger to try em.

    Expect to wait, at times you may catch a break and get seated within 10 minites or so. Be patient. Its worth it.  However, if its an extended amount of time put your name on the list and head next door to lone wolf. They will text you when you are close to being seated.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/14/2014

    I came to Au Cheval for one of my good friend's birthday and while I'm NOT a fan of waiting the time span of Titanic the movie to be seated at a restaurant...the 2 hour wait for was well worth it.
    The food was so good I had to lay down as soon as I got home because my stomach was full since I ate so much. The service was stellar as well.

    I'll be going back for sure and if you decide to hit up
    I recommend the following....
    - Toasted Open Faced Ham & Cheese Fondue with Fried Egg
    - General Jane's Honey Fried Chicken
    - Roasted Marrow Bones, Beef Cheek Marmalade & Toast

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/29/2014
    1 check-in

    This restaurant gets only 4 stars because the Bologna sandwich was much too salty. Other than that everything was amazing. The cheese burgers were so simple yet so flavorful! And I looooooove the fries with an egg on top. Mind blowing awesome! You really can't go wrong with garlic aioli sauce and fries (: I don't care for the other sauce. We had to wait 30-45 mins..... But we just walked around and explored Chicago since we were first timers in the city (: they take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. Bonus!!!!!

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 3.0 star rating
    7/6/2015

    Good..  not great.  A basic thin patty burger with cheese and sauce that makes it messy to eat... and everything comes with fried egg.  Fries are extra but are good with the sauce.  A small crowded place tho.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/14/2015

    Went for dinner here last Friday after work for a cheese burger. First I ordered A cheese burger and I got a double WTF if I wanted a double I would have asked for one it's like 5 guys. Second they put this white mayonnaise sauce on it and I think they should tell you that. The beer list is great the music is great.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/12/2014
    2 check-ins

    I've been here four times in the past year. The first three times were for brunch on the weekend and the last time was for dinner on a Tuesday night.

    If you want brunch, be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes. The plus is that they will ask you for your cell and text you when your table is ready so that you don't have to wait inside the (tiny) restaurant. Not that there's much to see nearby though... I usually head over to Northwestern Cutlery and look at kitchen supplies, haha.

    If you arrive for dinner right at 5 on a weeknight, you will have no wait. The brunch and dinner menus are more or less the same, so I would recommend dinner over brunch.

    The single burger is actually a double burger, and the double burger is actually a triple burger. Get the bacon -- so thick, so delicious.

    The fries with aioli sauces and au cheval (meaning with an egg on top) are delicious. One of the sauces is better than the other, but I'll let you decide which one. ;-)

    The bone marrow is better than the one I had at the purple pig. Bone marrow is actually relatively flavorless and so the strongly flavored cheek meat that came with it was a great touch. I recommend combining the two together to spread on your bread.

    I've never ordered the omelette myself, but my friend has gotten it twice. It's almost shocking how perfectly unblemished it comes out.

    Good comfort food. Things will be greasy. After eating here, chances are you'll be full for the day and never want to see food again. But trust me, give it a few days/weeks, and you'll be back for round two.

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/19/2015

    We arrived Sat. night and was asked two things: do you have a reservation, and can I see your I.D. I then squeezed inside to leave my name. I was told by a woman who had to yell over the noise, the wait would be four and a half hours. Given it was eight PM we went somewhere else with the intention of calling for a Sunday reservation.

    I called Sunday and was informed they do not take reservatios. I described my Saturday experience and was informed rudely that they do not take reservatios.

    So my reaction is: this place is pompus, rude, and way too loud to have a relaxing evening. Not worth all of this for a hambuger, no matter how good. Next time I will just get out the grill.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/23/2015 Updated review

    I came back here sober yesterday and I really can't think of a place that has better burgers.Perfectly cooked and not so huge that I need to eat it with a fork and knife. No lettuce or tomato to get in the way of the meat and cheese but a little chopped red onion to enhance the flavor.

    Our waiter was super nice and knowledgeable.

    I had a the bloody Mary which was OK - I'm a spicy guy and didn't enjoy the sweet pickley flavor in the mix. It didn't help to see the bartender using her hands to put ice in the glasses. Someone please hand her an ice scoop or tongs!!!

    4.0 star rating
    2/18/2015 Previous review
    If any restaurant needs to have a food truck or window on the side of their building for to-go… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    7/8/2015
    1 check-in

    Not your average burger.  Worth the wait, and lives up to the hype!  Rich food, but not overwhelming.  If you order a burger, add the fried egg.  Drinks are original and damn tasty.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/6/2014
    1 check-in

    Of course you're going to want something that's pleasing, but when you can't have it, you want it 10 times more, it's only human nature!  I've had Au Cheval bookmarked for quite sometime because of its much talked about foie gras scrambled eggs!  The sale of foie gras has been banned in California since July 2012.  I knew I was going to satisfy my craving here...no ifs, ands, or buts!

    I had thought that Au Cheval opened at 11am on Sundays but luckily we had our hotel's courtesy car drop us off early (we were gonna explore the neighborhood before opening) at 9:40am.  There were already three people in line waiting for doors to open at 10.  Finally open being seated I loved the ambiance of the restaurant and noticed how tiny it was.  There is bar seating but that's only for drinks and waiting.  I did not like however how loud they play the music and how tight the tables are next to each other.  

    We already knew what we were going to share, the foie gras scrambled eggs ($18) and the even more talked about cheeseburger ($12).  However, when our waiter came by, we didn't know yet what we wanted for a drink (decided on one OJ for him), so he said he would come back.  But he went around to other tables first and took their drink and food orders.  We were waiting for a little bit and then was able to flag him down and told him what we would be sharing.  A little while after, our waiter goes to the table to the right of me and gives the women there a few share plates, looks at us, then goes to the table to the left of me to give them share plates, and to the table to their left share plates.  Weird..and a little rude!  We finally asked a waitress for two small plates after we got our food.  The cheeseburger only came with one pickle and no fries or chips ($6 for a side of plain fries & $10 for fries with an egg and mornay sauce).  Their cheeseburger had two patties, though they were a little on the thin side, the burger was juicy & amazing!  The cheese was perfectly melted and their spread, was addicting!  It's sort of like a super light almost In-N-Out animal style sauce (but maybe not quite because I'm not a fan of animal style sauce).  My fiance is a burger fanatic, and he said if the patties were a little thicker, it would have made his like top 3 all time favorite burger list.  Those back in San Francisco, Nopa's amazing burger is still number 1 with Umami's burger trailing behind.  The foie gras scrambled egg was AMAZING!  Who would have thought to put this dish together?  The eggs were nice and fluffy and the foie gras was mixed with a dark sweet caramelized onion gravy.  I was afraid it was going to be overly rich, but it wasn't, it was just fatty like foie gras is and delicious!  Can scrambled eggs get any better than with foie?  It was also served with two pieces of Texas toast.  I loved it, and kept telling him how wonderful I thought it was, but he thinks it may have been because I was so hungry.

    Yes, we were tempted to go back late night, but it was about a 7 minute drive from our hotel, and I like how we were just able to wait 15 minutes early outside before opening.  I would think even pretty late at night you have to wait awhile, even if it was a week night.  I think what makes this a 4 and not a 5 was that service could have been a lot better, the BLARING music is not nice at all, and a little slightly overpriced for what you get.  If I'm ever back in Chicago I would definitely try to go back for brunch or dinner.  The restaurant filled up about 5 minutes after I got seated for Sunday brunch, so just get there before opening and you'll be ok.

  • 2.0 star rating
    5/12/2015

    I have been dying to try this place for a long time but I left disappointed and sick. My partner and I waited a hour and a half for a table on a Monday night. OK, no problem. We went next door to Lone Wolf for a few drinks to pass the time.

    We had the bone marrow appetizer to split. He ordered the English breakfast (great choice) and I had a cheeseburger with bacon and egg. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling sick to my stomach.

    The service was great, loved the vibe but can't say I will be returning after throwing up all night. I would recommend Grange Hall or Burger & the Butcher over Au Cheval any day. Less hype, better quality food. Would recommend Au Cheval for a drink and appetizer if the bar was free.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/7/2014
    1 check-in

    The no reservation thing is too bad - we were quoted 3 hours when we put our names in. Ended up snacking and drinking at Lone Wolf & RM Champagne Salon while waiting. Got a table after 2 hours, and ended up sharing food since we weren't starving.
    Awesome server: Erin. She was helpful and patient (we weren't drunk but we weren't sober), and it was appreciated.
    And the burger at Au Cheval? AMAZING. Just awesome. Fancy cheese made it unlike any other cheeseburger I've ever had. There's a single or a double - and the single is substantial. So good- and you know what? Worth the wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/23/2015
    1 check-in

    You have to get here early to actually eat here. First time I went, it was little but after 1230 and the wait was 2 hours. So my friend I ended up eating at somewhere else.
    Second time we went, we got there right before they opened and there was 2 person waiting in front of us. We got seated by the window which was nice. the place got packed within 10 minutes. This tells you how good the food are!
    I had single cheeseburger with bacon and fried egg and it was so~~~~ good. I was thinking about getting double cheese burger at first because I was so hungry but single cheese burger itself is pretty big. With the fries, I was so full.
    I will definitely go back again!!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/9/2014
    1 check-in
    Listed in Best Burgers

    I'll make this quick since I pretty much agree with all the positive reviews of this place.

    -Holy hamburger heaven!  Now this is what a burger should taste like!  Get the burger! you won't regret it!
    -Arrive early if you plan to go during the weekend - before it opens is ideal. If you don't, expect to wait
    -Good service
    -My bloody mary was okay

    I can't wait to go back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/26/2015

    We were told we had to come here by a friend we were staying with ( we are from out of town) and I'm glad I did. Now, I'm not the biggest burger fan, but this was delicious. I was told I needed to get it with the egg and bacon, but I don't like egg one
    Burger and they have pepper bacon which I'm not usually a fan of so I got it without the egg and bacon and it was still so good. I tried the bacon and it was delicious. Pretty much like braised pork belly. It was thick and delicious. The wait was almost 2 hours but we walked around to kill the time so it wasn't too bad. A delicious burger well worth 5 stars. The rest of the menu looked wonderful as well.

    Our server was good. Very friendly and helpful. Only came to check on us like twice but we didn't really need anything so it was fine. And the place is small enough that if we needed him we could easily grab him.

  • 1.0 star rating
    3/14/2015

    #toobusyforitsowngood

    Visiting from out of town. 3.5 hr wait, drank in the neighborhood because it was supposed to be "that good" we got carded twice, once at the door and once during our drink order. Burger was good, not that good...not worth the wait or the service. Too loud and too dark.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/3/2014
    1 check-in

    Came here for lunch and had the burger a cheval. We also had a side of the fries with aioli and bacon. And beers. Several beers.
    The burger was amazing - got it with an egg and it came with some sort of dijonnaise (more mayo than mustard). The burger was amazing. The thick cut bacon was delicious. The fries were acceptable. And the beer selection was awesome.
    We didn't have to experience the wait since we got there around 11:30 and grabbed 4 seats at the bar. Go here. Eat a burger. Drink a beer.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/10/2015

    Only place really open past 10 that serves food in financial district of downtown. However, it felt like my fiancé and I were more of a burden then a customer. They are supposedly known for one of the best burgers in town, but the service is terrible. I understand they were busy, but when your waiting an hour for table and order a drink within 10minutes of walking in, and don't get it until you sit= The food was good (not amazing), but would have much rathered a better/ friendlier environment.

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/27/2015

    Wait was over 2 hours on a Monday and guess what they couldn't guarantee seating even at 12pm. So we left a and came back at 9pm. 2 hour wait again and then 1 hour wait seating at the stools open for all that can't wait that long. Are u kidding me, for hamburger and fries? Sorry, not fooling anyone. Left for better, short wait, Chicago places which r many not to waste your night on like this one.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/30/2014
    1 check-in

    Hands down among the best friend chicken I've had. Crispy, sweet. Must try.

    The burger was also excellent.

    While the food is very good, the wait and the service people are a nightmare.

    Be prepared to wait unless you go around 5p or 530p.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/15/2014
    1 check-in

    I hate Au Cheval.... Let my clarify that last comment..... I hate Au Cheval because their burgers are sooooooo good and I have cravings for them every night! This place is amazing.

    They put a fried egg on everything which brings their food from an A to an A+

    I love their Fries, Burgers and Chilaquiles (only on the late menu)

    They are known for their Fried House-Made Bologna Sandwhich so I had to try this as well. Truthfully I was not very impressed and will not steer away from their burgers again.

    Why, oh why must you be open late with such Great Burgers Au Cheval? I can't say No to those burgers and fries (with fried eggs on both of course) so I guess I'll just have to be prepared to be 10 pounds heavier than I should be.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/8/2015

    About 9 years ago, I became an orphan. Since that time, I've had a lot of new experiences that..... Well, I can't share them with those who gave me life. And, that really breaks my heart. Because, after eating the cheeseburger at Au Cheval, all I could think about was..... I really wish I could bring my parents back to life, so that I could donkey punch them in the f@#+ing  throat for not telling me how good a burger could actually be. I would stab a kitten in the face for Au Cheval.... I would sell opiates to puppies for the money to eat here.... I would..... Well, honestly, I'll just keep working at my job for money that I can spend here. Crazy wait times from a year ago have gotten way crappier now. But, so good. The fries are Ok. But, don't let me forget to talk about that cheeseburger.....

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/14/2014

    Simply amazing! Heaven in. My. Mouth. Go during lunch, the wait is not that long.

    Staff is really nice too.

    Splurge on your burger, add the egg and bacon. Their bacon is homemade and it's the best I've ever had....so thick and juicy.

    Come hungry! Top Chicago burger, if not, damn close. DMK is another favorite.

  • 2.0 star rating
    4/22/2015

    The burger was good- but definitely not worth the wait (quoted us 2 1/2-3 hours on a Sunday evening

    Burger alone was a 3 star- had better in LA- if you ever get a chance to experience an LA burger please visit Plan Check, you'll be blown away.

    Oh and the bacon on the burger.... that alone deserves 4 stars that was the highlight of the meal :)

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/14/2014

    I believe I've said the words "no food is worth an hour+ wait" and "place doesnt live up to the hype" quite a few times in previous reviews.  I take that back.  I take it alllll back!!!

    I'm not going to get into too much detail with this review because its pretty much all been said in the previous 1,200 reviews or so:

    Long wait, but worth it; and they will take your # and text you.

    Amazing burgers, must get the egg and bacon.

    Friendly staff.

    Amazing burgers.

    Small restaurant with a cool/simple atmosphere.

    Burger burger burger.

    Delicious spuds: fries, hash browns and mashed.

    Did I mention the burgers?  How about the bacon?

    Good beer and craft cocktail list.

    But in the end - its all about those burgers.

    Au Cheval is worth the wait, AND lives up to the hype.  I hate hate hate waiting for food but I would wait until Chicago was crime and corruption free for an Au Cheval burger.  That would be a really long wait, but its THAT good. Plus they'll text me...

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/22/2015

    Not a ton to say other than they have a fantastic tap list that is overshadowed by even better food

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/17/2015

    One of the worst places I've ever been! 4 hour wait to sit at the bar over a hot grill for a mediocre burger and overpriced drinks. Definitely tonight recommend trying. There are much better burger places in Chicago:

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/16/2015

    A staple of the Randolph corridor.

    Everything on the menu is great, people really like the burgers, the fries with and egg on top, potato hash, and others.

    Yes, this place is popular and doesn't take reservations. Come an hour before you would like to sit and either grab a drink at the bar or head down the street go Maude's for a specialty cocktail.

    There is an excellent draft beer selection and don't forget the pickle back Jameson shot.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/10/2014

    Given the fact that I'm a relatively young yelper, this reference may not catch everyone reading this. However, I'm gunna give this a go because it's the best possible way I can describe how I felt about the burger at Au Cheval.

    There's an episode of Spongebob when Squidward, the grumpy squid who works with spongebob at the local burger joint (The Krusty Krab) and hated everything in life except his clarinet, finally discovers how great krabby patties  (the restaurant's cheeseburgers) are. He takes a bite, and his eyes light up. Later that night, he heads to the restaurant and goes into the vault where all the krabby patties are located and just goes to town. Spongebob gets to work early the next morning to find Squidward finally embracing the wonder of the Krabby patty. Squidward ate every burger in the vault.

    Bottom line: if Au Cheval had a vault where it kept its wonderful burgers conveniently stashed, I would have broken into the restaurant that evening (just like Squidward) and eaten them all. For an illustration of this reference, search "You like Krabby Patties don't you Squidward" to get the full effect.

    Excessive childhood cartoon references aside, Au Cheval is a great establishment. A couple other points worth noting:
    1. You will likely have to wait. No reservation system here.
    2. They have a nice beer list with selections from a wide array of local breweries. I highly recommend the Pullman Brown ale by Flossmoor Station.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/24/2014
    2 check-ins

    OK, so I have read many times that this place had the top rated burger in the city, so I decided to check it out.

    We got there at about 5 P.M. and it was already an hour wait to get a table. It wasn't surprising signed the area is pretty small. When you walk in, there is a narrow path to the end of the restaurant with about 20 tables squeezed in. There's also a bar that is set up like a traditional diner so you can see the cooks making the food.

    When our name was finally called, we sat down in a corner at the end of the bar so we had a great view of the cooks. I ordered an "old fashioned", which was extremely strong, but then again the menu labeled this drink a "strong drink". We then ordered a plate of fries, which we crispy and came with a sauce that was pretty much mayo, but I liked it.

    So for the burger, I would not officially put it as the best one I had, but it was pretty good. I ordered the double cheeseburger with bacon and received a triple cheeseburger instead. I wasn't too upset since the patties were thin. The burgers patties were cooked pretty close to medium rare, which I loved. Usually, patties that small are cooked well done, which kills the flavor, but not these patties. In an unrelated note, we saw the cooks preparing chicken wings and they were HUGE. When we come back, we will probably have those.

    Overall, I enjoyed the experience and will definitely come back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/6/2014
    3 check-ins

    The best! Worth the wait- they usually say 1.5 to 2 hours but I have never waited longer than about 45-50 minutes. Still crowded even at like 9:30- so just prepare to always have to wait. (No reservations). Not good for large groups.

    The burger with the bacon and egg is insanely good.
    Bologna sandwich is awesome and  I highly recommend ordering.
    Fries with egg and aoli-- just get them. no words.
    Cesar Salad- mmm

    they have a great beer list as well as specialty cocktails- I had the Flapper which was refreshing and spicy (pepper). Very good (strong)!

    Come hungry- order everything

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/15/2015

    Only came here once but it was pretty good... nothing outstanding though based on all the burger raving reviews. I got the burger, and we also got a side of bacon.

    The burger was definitely good, but it relied more on the sauce than the meat itself to add flavor. I believe the sauce was a twist off of a thousand island dressing type, but I don't think I would order the burger again since the sauce was overwhelming. The side of bacon was thick cut which was hard to distinguish it from just a cut of ham. I like crispy bacon but this was a bit more tender.

    I would probably come back here for other food, probably just not the burger again. You can always check in and go to a bar across the street while you wait - then they'll text you and you can come in and claim your seat. Worth checking out in my opinion.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/14/2015

    My husband and I went here for our anniversary. Let me just get this out of the way up front. You're going to wait. Ooooh boy are you going to wait. But, the wait will be worth it. You'll dive into a burger or the croque monsieur and you'll completely forget about how long you waited. You may be back the next day. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because you can't make a reservation, and dear Lord I love the ability to cut the line. I'll be back though waiting like everyone else, because really, it's worth it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/12/2015

    Finally was able to try the burger for brunch. Can't say it was *that* much better than another burger I've had at other places in the city--but it was definitely delicious. The homemade pickled cucumbers on top were also great, and I enjoyed a good chocolate stout. Will definitely come back some time for brunch and/or dinner. A must try for any Chicago or out-of-town foodie. Dishes are all plenty large enough to share.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/12/2015
    1 check-in

    So. freaking. good!!! I've been wanting to go to Au Cheval for the longest time. Trust me, it was definitely worth the wait. I tried going once before late night on a Friday and the wait was 3 hours. We went on a Thursday this time at about 9pm and we waited for about an hour to get seated. I had the double burger with egg. The only thing I disliked was how dark it was inside. There was a candle on our table but that wasn't enough to see menus.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/29/2014
    1 check-in

    Saturday morning...before it was even opened there was a line waiting to get in. The place is small so if you want brunch on the weekends...get there a few minutes before opening...if not expect to wait.
    Are you a vegetarian? Then be prepared to have a very limited menu. I don't eat red meat so I was not excited about this place.

    Drinks: Ordered a Bloody Mary. My friend did not like it., but I asked them to tone down the spice, so I liked mine. The pickles were not Dill...but after awhile the taste grew on me.

    Food: Small Brunch Menu but  the burger looked amazing...everyone around me had one. I ordered the chilaquiles which happened to be meatless. They came with a good amount of guacamole. At first I didn't think they would be good...but WOW was I surprised. They were delicious. I highly recommend them. The portion was big and I ate them until I could no longer breathe. I have to admit I did not expect this place to have such good guacamole either. :-) My friends ordered the burger and English Breakfast. No complaints about the food!

    Service: The hostess was not very friendly but our waiter was. When we were seated so was everyone outside (it had just opened) so if you ordered right away your food would be right up. We took our time ordering so we had to wait a bit (we weren't in a rush so I didn't mind).

    So is this place worth the hype?...I think so!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/12/2015

    Went on a Saturday night, the wait was 4 hours but it got cut out to 3 so we just walked downtown in the mean time. So when it was time to eat I was expecting the greatest favors in my mouth but it was not worth the wait, it was a good burger but not over the top omg deliciousness burger

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/20/2014
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Go-To Eats/Drinks

    Went with a friend right after work (5:30ish) on a Thursday and immediately got seated at the countertop/bar! Unheard of here apparently! It was starting to get busy though, so I wouldn't count on similar experiences.

    Cocktails are too strong and overpriced. I'd steal clear of them next time and order a beer or something more simple.

    The burger is amazing! I had it without a bun (low carb lifestyle) and added an egg (over medium) and bacon. The bacon was heavenly! Cheese was gooey and delicious.

    We discovered that you can order a hashbrown bun for your burger! Wtf?!? It was golden fried hashbrown goodness and looked amazing (we didn't actually have it, but you should!!)

    Fries with garlic aioli were awesome! We split an order and it was plenty. Burgers come without any sides. A single is two burgers and a double is three. Would love to try other menu items now that I can see the reviews are well-earned!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/22/2014

    Another great brunch beginning where we came at just the right time! Sometimes the wait is worth it, but sometimes you just need to fill your belly right away. I loved the pickled garnish on my bloody, but the drink itself was a bit bland and not very strong. One friend opted for a mimosa and loved it. I wish I had gotten one instead but I'm on a mission to try every Bloody Mary in the city! And macarons, and sandwiches and pizza...

    The brunch menu is small, but the options all seem tasty. After eating vegetarian for a whole week, my meat cravings were outta control. Does that make me a part-time vegetarian? Anywho, the burger definitely lives up to the hype! I did get the egg and cheese so it was still pretty simple, but delicious. Not sure if the cute guy next to me was flirting when he commented that he had burger envy, but he probably changed his tune after witnessing my voracious eating and om nom nom sounds. I devoured the whole thing.....

    I also sampled the chilaquiles (delicious!) and a piece of my friend's thick, smokey bacon. It was by far the best pig byproduct that has ever graced my mouth. Next time my burger will be stacked with that bacon!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/7/2014
    1 check-in

    After hearing so many good things about this place, I finally got to try it on a Thursday for dinner. The wait was an estimate 1.5 hours and you put your name & number down and they would text you when a table is ready. I love this system because it gives you the freedom of exploring the neighborhood and local bars around the area. This neighborhood has a few bars nearby and lots of other yummy restaurants like Girl & Goat and Publican. My friend and I just walked around the block a couple of time checking out potential future restaurants to eat at. Before the 1.5 hour was up, we got a text that said our table was ready and boy, was it perfect timing because we were starving!

    We were both indecisive so we got the wings and the single cheeseburger with just bacon along with smashed potatoes and their famous fries w/ the egg on top.

    Wings: DELICIOUS. For $18, you get about 6-7 pieces of succulent, juicy chicken things, drumsticks, and wings. I love the marinating sauce, it was a mix of ginger and sweet/a little spicy flavor. I would definitely go back for just the wings.

    Burgers: We got a single with bacon on it and it actually comes as 2 patties. (The double is 3 patties). Overall, it was a mediocre burger. I have definitely had better tasting burgers that has much more flavorful patties. I was a bit let down by the burgers.

    Fries w/ egg on top: My friend and I were unsure of how to eat the fries with the egg so we didn't touch it at all. The aioli dip for the fries was delicious! I definitely like it more than the mornay sauce (more creamy and cheesy?) but my friend liked both. However, I don't know how I feel about $10 for fries, granted it was a lot of fries.

    Smashed potatoes: you can't go wrong with this. The gravy was pretty good!

    Total bill was almost $80 for the 4 items and a drink. It is a bit steep in pricing in my opinion for a burger bar/gastropub but I definitely would come back for their wings, that was the highlight of the night.

    The ambiance is a bit loud and very dim. I took pictures without flash and the lighting was horrible so I am not gonna bother posting pictures of my food on yelp. We sat at the bar and got front row seat to the kitchen area and it was cool seeing the chefs in action. They definitely work hard, so remember to tip well!

    Parking is valet for $12 for 4 hrs. You can try to find street parking but it will be hard so go pray to the parking gods to help you find a good spot!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/21/2015

    I live dangerously close to this place which is dangerous to my health and wallet, visited a few times throughout the brunch hours and have yet to be disappointed (other than the wait). My usual go to is the Cheeseburger á Cheval single with bacon no fried egg (single is really a double and a double is a heart attack), split the fries with Mornay sauce, garlic aioli & farm fried egg.

    Last visit we were seated at the counter which I prefer because you are able to watch the cooks throw down in the kitchen and started small talk with the guy calling out orders and he hooked us up with the BEST Blueberry Muffin I have ever had, it kind of stole the show that day!

    Can't wait to come back to try items off the dinner menu and battle the 4-5 hour wait.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/10/2015
    1 check-in

    Came right at 5 pm and waiting only 45 minutes for our table!

    I love the chicken wings - they're spicy like a general tsao's chicken and super crunchy. If you're hungry or with a bigger group I highly recommend.

    Got regular fries and a single with bacon and they were both awesome! This place has a ton of hype but it's such a great burger and the staff is so incredibly nice and helpful.

    One downside last night - music was way too loud.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/14/2014
    4 check-ins

    Best Simplest Hamburger in Chicago Hands down.
    It melts in your mouth and since I eat gluten free. I cant have a bun but they put it on a hashbrown bun and it is magnificent.
    The bacon is so thick and perfect

    The fries.. Oh the fries, best fries in Chicago.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 4.0 star rating
    4/16/2015

    What can I say about the Au Cheval burger that hasn't already been said? It really is that good. I'm only giving 4 stars though because it is a little pricey and doesn't come with fries. You have to order (and pay for) those separately. The fries were good, and they come with a yummy garlic aioli. I still need to go back to try all the other delicious looking food!

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    I was so excited to finally try Au Cheval after hearing rave reviews form everyone I know. I really wanted it to be the heavenly hot spot that everyone spoke about but I was really not impressed. The burger was solid, nothing crazy, would gladly eat it but never wait in line again. Speaking of waiting in line, we were there about an hour before they opened and were 3rd in line. My friends were running late and they wouldn't seat us or even pretend like they were trying to save a 4 person table for our friends who were looking for parking. Even when they could see them outside near the back of the line, they wouldn't give us a table and instead chose to seat 2 people at a 4 person table (rather than the 2 person table next to it) as if to spite us for not all being there at the same time. Just when I thought all hope was lost and we'd have to wait an hour for the entire first round of tables to eat and for someone to leave, my friends managed to push through the line and they could no longer deny us a table (much to the hostess' chagrin). The chilaquiles were the worst I'd ever had, just a bunch of greasy chips and an over-salted mess. The baked goods were really the saving grace of this place and I appreciated the manager's attempt to apologize for the seating issue by bringing us a delicious muffin. I don't think I'd bother coming back, too many other great restaurants with excellent service that I'd rather give my business to.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/8/2015

    Went on a weekday at 11:30am and still had a 45 minute wait, so you know it's good! We got the chili and fries to split for the table. Delicious! But the real star was obviously the burgers. The buns are toasted on both sides, and the burgers was so incredibly juicy and perfectly cooked. I got an egg added, and it was EVERYTHING. Definitely lived up to its hype.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/21/2014
    1 check-in

    Came here on a late Thursday night with a couple of buddies. One of them is a regular so he knew how to navigate the menu and drinks. The place was packed, but we didn't have to wait too long to get a table.

    The service is great. Everything comes out super quick - so much so that I held off on ordering a drink one time just because I knew it would come out fast.

    Great, extensive beer selection. Don't expect to find a 312 or anything from Revolution. They purposefully like to be different. I also had the old fashioned which was made perfectly.

    I didn't try the burger, but my friends (being regulars) knew exactly how they wanted it. I wasn't really paying attention to the details. They did say it's one of the best they've had in Chicago.

    I stuck with the Chilaquiles, a good non-meat option. They were delicious. The chips don't go soggy, and the toppings are piled high. They do get a little messy. They're prob better when you're drunk and not caring so much about that.

    I'll def come back since I feel like my foodie experience was a little incomplete.

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/18/2015

    Good, but not worth the wait
    - Long wait - 2 hours
    ~ Burger was solid, but Kuma's is better
    ~ Foei gras was solid
    ~ Strong cocktails

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/7/2015
    1 check-in

    The BEST burger in Illinois. Hands down. Make sure you get there a little early before their kitchen opens though. You don't want to be too far back in line.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/30/2015

    Exellent burger!!!  The garlic aioli with the fries was out of this world. Could have dipped bark in it and the bark would be amazing.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/2/2015

    This place gets more hype than a terrible movie coming out on Christmas day. BUT, nonetheless, it lives up to it.

    The burger is single handedly (although I needed two hands to eat it) the best burger I've ever eaten in my life. The simplicity of it all really just blows me away. A simple burger with all the toppings I'd ever ask for.

    If you go, remember a few things, the single is a double and the double is a triple. So order the single burger and add as much bacon and eggs that pleases you. Settle in with a nice cold beer and a order of fries. Enjoy your meal and thank me later.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/27/2014
    1 check-in

    Definitely make a stop here if you want some homey, irresistible, comfort food. Oh, and also if you don't mind having no greens in your dinner (do pickles count as a vegetable?)

    We started off with the honey fried chicken and yes it was delicious! Hot and crispy on the outside with the chili and light cilantro giving it a great kick. Then we made the ultimate decision of getting the double cheeseburger with a side of thick cut peppered bacon. I should've read these reviews before ordering because oh my god, I almost died (in a good way) trying to eat this. I did NOT know that it came with THREE patties. Besides from that surprise, this burger was melt in your mouth smooth. Even the bun with their spread of mayo was amazing (and I am not one to like mayo usually). Add on the juicy meat, egg, and bacon and it was like Christmas in my mouth. Unbelievable. Seriously the bacon is like the best thing ever so just get it, even if you don't like bacon. Get it.  

    Clearly this meal is not for anyone on a diet as I'm pretty sure my cholesterol spiked for a couple of days after and it might've brought me one step closer to being diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Still, no regrets.

    Come by early if you don't want to wait for long as the restaurant is very small and gets packed quickly. We stopped by on a weekend night around 6 and waited for close to two hours!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/13/2015

    Au Cheval serves a burger that frequently contests for the best in the city. Their take on the burger is very interesting -- it's almost entirely meat. They've designed it to a simple, delicious perfection. Definitely get the burger with the egg and bacon on top if you can. The fries and garlic (truffle?) aioli are a standard -- and excellent choice --  to get with the burgers.

    The other dishes on the menu are quite good as well, as is the brunch menu. I don't think they're quite as good as the burgers and fries, but they still justify a visit.

    Finally, the atmosphere and music are a solid 10/10. No wonder the place is packed every night of the week.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/13/2015

    One word. WOW. This place is amazing. Plan on not getting in right away, but it is worth the wait. You get what you pay for, that's for sure. Service is amazing. Just eating here makes you feel like you are a part of pop culture "hipster" movement. Whether that's a good thing or not. Plan on not eating at all before you come though.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/16/2015

    This place gets 4 stars only because we had to wait an hour and a half.  Now, we were warned before going that it would take forever and a day to be seated, but it's never fun to wait that long.  Once inside, you can see why - it's very very small.  I'm talking look to right and to the left, do the hokey pokey, and you're done!  Fortunately, they take down your cell number and text you when your table is ready.  

    Onto the review... I noticed a lot of people ordered this huge burger with an egg on top.  While that looks fancy and all, I prefer my eggs on a separate plate.  So, I just ordered the burger with some fries.  The fries were definitely homemade and quite yummy.  The burger was...

    Yes, I just fainted... Sooooooooooo good!!!  Oh yeah, what made the burger so good was their sauce.  I don't know what's in it - some legalized form of crack - but you will be hooked!  Don't forget to transfer some extra funds into your bank account, because the price is a bit higher than the McDonald's Dollar Menu!

    Don't wait, just go.  As always, you can thank me later...

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/27/2014
    1 check-in

    Knowing this place gets crazy busy we headed over right after work and snagged one of the last few remaining booths before they went on a wait.  They are certainly popular and there was a festive atmosphere for the most part.  The grumpy host was somewhat of an issue as he doesn't speak.  He just looked at us so we explained slowly that there would be 2 of us.  Thankfully that is where our interaction with him ended...dude should find a new job and not in the service industry.

    We both got the cheeseburgers which you probably already know are fantastic.  I added the bacon which also is very good.  Our server was fun and had us in and out of there in no time which was appreciated.

    Yes, it is one of the best burgers in Chicago and I am sure we will be back at some point.  Just watch out for Mr. Grumpy, if you have to deal with him know it will only be a limited time.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/11/2014
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Chicago Eats

    We've tried coming to this place a couple of time now.  Each time, an unreal waiting time.  The third time was the charm.  We came a little before 5 and were seated right away.  Perfect timing too because that's when the kitchen opens, according to the guy that seated us.  On our way out, you can already see the people waiting. It's best to come early, otherwise expect a VERY long wait.  

    The place isn't very big, but has a charming rustic tavern decor with old school hip hop jams. When you walk it it feels pretty intimate. It's a great place to chill and sip libations.  The booths look very luxurious and I like the tables and chairs, it really feels like I'm in a tavern, but modern day.

    If you sit at the counter you get a great view of what's cooking.  Next time, I think I'll opt for a seat at the counter to watch the action.

    We ordered general jane's honey fried chicken with chili, sesame seeds & cilantro.  It was pretty tasty.  It reminded me a lot of Korean fried chicken, but less crispy.  This isn't the the kind of fried chicken you get with chicken and waffles.  It's the saucy type of chicken like the chicken wings you get at Yardhouse.  It is also a tad pricey.  In the future, I probably would not order this.  I just wanted to try it because I was curious.  You have to like chili and asian flavors to truly appreciate this dish.  

    We also ordered the single cheeseburger.  With a single, you get two patties.  The patties are actually pretty thin, so the two patties is like one real patty.  They also have this relish mayo that is actually pretty tasty and the pickles too.  The bread is nice and soft with a delicious butter toast.  A bit on the greasy end, but manageable. If you have ever been to Apple Pan in Los Angeles, the burgers here are similar to those with the exception that it's a bit fancier and bigger here.  I would probably order a burger in the future with an egg.  

    Now, you can't have a burger with fries.  Thus we opted to try the crispy fried chicken with mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried farm egg.  This is why we didn't add the egg to our burger. I personally did not like the fries.  It must be the oil they were cooked in tasted unpleasant to me.  I never had an egg with my fries so I had to give this one a go.  It wasn't bad at all, not quite gravy like, but just sauced up.  The mornay sauce was cheesy and the garlic aioli was money.  If not for that garlic aioli, that dish would have been lost to me.  

    Overall, I had a gastronomic experience.  Our waiter was helpful and friendly.  I really enjoy the hip hop sounds and am glad I got to check this place out.  Remember, get there early to nab a seat and to prevent the long wait times.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/24/2014
    1 check-in

    OH MY GOD. NOM NOM NOM. HOW CAN A BURGER TASTE THIS HEAVENLY?!?!?

    You need to try the burger with the egg. You can't request to get it well done, medium, or etc....They have their own special way of grilling burgers, and clearly, they know what they're doing.

    We also ordered the fries with garlic aioli -- delicious. But the game changer with the hash with duck heart....omg, so good....you need to order it!!

    Came here with my 3 friends and waited for about 35 minutes on a Thursday evening...but the wait went by quickly thanks to the great list of cocktails available.

    I need to come back here again, and if you haven't been here yet, come now.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/9/2015
    3 check-ins

    Soooo trendy, great music, AMAZING BURGERS in a relaxed, but smaller spaced   Location. FEELS welcoming, and special. I love coming here! I recommend early afternoon or after 10:30pm. Always crazy, always a 40min + wait- no reservations either.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/10/2015

    Been there twice on Tuesday, both times worth the hour long wait. Just go have a drink next door in the meantime.

    It's like a diner but for the cool kids. It's dark with loud music, and candle lit (but not in like a romantic kind of way).

    Got the burger, highly recommend adding egg and bacon. Skip the mashed potatoes but you MUST get the fries, yum!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/21/2014
    1 check-in

    This place is just awesome.   As of November 2014, it's the best burger I ever had.  

    Service
    We came here on a Sunday afternoon for lunch and the wait was going to be long.   However the host was able to quickly get us a spot so that was awesome.   The servers did a great job of checking up on us and most importantly our food came out pretty quickly.  

    Food
    Fries - they were OK.   I could live without it actually.  
    Au Cheval Cheeseburger with bacon - OMG!   This thing is flat out amazing.   The burger pattie was nice and tender.   The bacon melts in your mouth but is expensive at $9.   However they give you bacon straps... Not strips because it is so thick.  Lol.  

    Location
    The place is kinda small.   We took an uber ride from downtown to get here and I would suggest you come early otherwise the wait is going to be bad.

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/27/2014
    1 check-in

    Sitting here on a barely cushioned bar stool with my back aching and head pounding from the bass, I cannot help but start my review.  I don't know if much, even an incredible burger can turn this experience around.  

    I wanted to take my husband somewhere different for his birthday. He loves burgers. So here we go....

    First, hour wait.

    Second, seat at the bar.

    Third, the next people who got sat, got a table.  (If you would have told me, I would have waited.)

    Fourth, sorry, I forgot...I just got hit in the back with something or another...

    Fifth, they are currently filming check, please! and there is a huge camera three inches from my head...

    I'm sure the food will be good...but honestly, that doesn't matter after the experience I've had so far.  I will never be returning, even if it is the best meal of my life.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/14/2015

    Everyone raves about the burger, which is amazing, but there are so many great items on the menu. The Duck heart is my favorite and something worth trying. The place can be tough to get into around lunch time or in the evenings.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/5/2015

    It is not often that food lives up to the hype, but the burger at Au Cheval not only lived up to it but exceeded all my expectations.  I have at least 5 people tell me how Au Cheval's burger was the best out, and I have to agree with them 100%.  The only downside to getting a burger here is that I haven't had a burger since because I know it will just be disappointing.  I cant wait to go back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/10/2015

    Hands down the best burgers I have ever had. Sometimes the wait can be a bit long, but well worth it!

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/25/2015
    1 check-in

    I'd heard good things about this place but left not really understanding the hype. The food was ok I suppose. I had a double burger, and my girlfriend had an omelette with mushroom, kale, etc., which she seemed to enjoy more. We ordered fries that were solid. The place is a bit tight and I felt a bit too close to the people at the next table. It was pretty loud as well. Also, I thought the prices were a bit out of hand. I assumed it would be more than your standard place, but for what we got, I thought the price was a bit ridiculous.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/13/2015

    Tried Au Cheval for the first time on a Wednesday night and the wait was still over an hour! This place was packed, but well worth the wait!

    Had the single cheeseburger with bacon then split the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli  & fried farm egg, and mashed potatoes & roasted garlic gravy. Burger was cooked to perfection and the sides were so amazing, especially the garlic aioli for the fries.

    For wine I had Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris which was one of the best white wines I have tasted. It was so good that when I got home I searched where I could buy it in Chicago.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/30/2015

    The hype is real with this place. I didn't expect to have as good of an experience and I did since it just comes off as this hipster, slightly pretentious restaurant with the "best restaurant you will ever experience you life" kind of attitude.

    But man. They sure did deliver.

    Let's start with what everyone is talking about - the burger. Yeah, it's a damn good burger. Everything about it is perfect. Perfectly cooked, great bun, beyond flavorful. The pickled cucumbers on the burger (is that what they were?) really made it for me. It just added this extra crunch and flavor that took it to the next level. It would be hard to come back here and order anything else.

    And the single reason why you absolutely need to come here for brunch is the foie gras and scrambled eggs. Freaking heaven on a plate. First of all, I love foie gras. It's god's butter. It's amazing. And when I was living in California it was banned for the last several years, so you can imagine how disappointed I was. And now I live in Chicago where I can get it any time of day. Yes, this dish is $18. And it's worth every penny. I would pay more than that for this dish. It was just so, so good. And the toast they serve with it is delicious. I haven't stopped thinking about it since.

    I did attempt to go back to Au Cheval to indulge again. But the wait was 2 hours. I mean...this place is good...but it's not wait for 2 hours good. I don't think anything is wait for 2 hours good. Hopefully I catch them at an off time again...because, I mean...foie gras and scrambled eggs. And possibly the best damn burger you will ever eat.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/9/2015

    Best burger in the world. So good that the long wait is completely worth it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/22/2014

    I wanted to give 5 stars but it is a bit too dark inside for my liking. There is always a long wait so come before dinner time or after. Also, their seating situation is horrid. If you come with more than 4 people, prepare to squish your tooshes into a booth meant for two.  

    I've only tried their burger and fries. I've tried the single (which is actually 2 patties) cheeseburger with egg and bacon but I prefer it with only bacon. The bacon slices are so thick and succulent, they have some sort of maple glaze to them that make them a bit sweet. They are peppered too so it has a nice little kick.

    A tip for yelpers: order a side is bacon instead of having them on your burger and share them amongst your friends. If you order it on your burger they give you one or two, but the side has about 5 or 6 slices. Yum yum.

    Onto their fries, try it with a Fried egg and garlic aioli. They are yum. I would say two people can share one order. Overall, I crave their burgers often.. A must try for Chicago locals and visitors!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/8/2015

    The burger is delicious, that's really all there is to it. I got it without the egg or bacon - it doesn't need it.

    If waiting makes you mad, come right when they open. More than 30 minutes after that and you will have to wait (really - I used to work down the block and we checked during lunch a few times). But, since you know you're going to have to wait ahead of time (which you should since you're on the yelp page), it's not a big deal -- go enjoy a Zombie Dust at Lone Wolf and wait for the text saying your table is ready.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/27/2015

    So worth the wait. They don't take reservations. We waited almost 3 hours last Friday night for my dad's birthday and everything was amazing, including the service.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/6/2015
    1 check-in

    I want to write this review, but all the blood in my brain has moved to my stomach to digest the best burger I have ever eaten in my life. This is crack.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/14/2015

    I met a friend for lunch on the Monday after easter. Was pretty packed but not a long wait. Grabbed seats at the bar where a server waits on you not the bartender! We ordered both of their gin cocktails the  flapper was delicious! I ordered there single patty burger with thick juicy bacon and a fried egg. HEAVEN. Ive been to most great burger joints around chicago. This was by far the best burger I ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Perfectly cooked (finally!) cheese was nice and melted even the bun was good. Order there fries on the side they are exceptional as well. My friend got the matzo ball soup very flavorful! Even there coffee was good and local! Not great for big groups id say any more than 6 you will wait a while. There was a line when we left.  Big recommend while in chicago or just for some good food!

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/7/2015

    Not too shabby.  Bologna sandwich was just ok...

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/27/2015
    1 check-in

    With all the other reviews to read, this will be short and sweet. The place is so loud, it lost a star (but I'm over 30+).  Otherwise perfect!  Cheeseburger, bacon, fries, root beer, chicken livers, fried chicken, and many interesting menu items make this a must.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/29/2015

    I had heard about this place from everyone saying you must try it. The burgers were amazing. Nice thin hamburger patties and the white sauce to dip your fries in as amazing. Very long wait depending on what time you go is the only downside

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/28/2014

    For sure the best burger in Chicago!  The cheeseburger is so juicy and flavorful, and with the added SLAB of bacon and a fried egg on top it's perfection!  The price is also not too bad for what it is.  A single is actually a double and a double is actually a triple.. So for an average dude who usually eats a fair amount of food, a single is perfect.

    The fries with egg and the hash browns with duck heart gravy are good compliments, but if you eat too much of it it takes away from the beauty of the burger.

    The seating can be a bit cramped if you're looking to dine with 5-6 people (its 6 max and its a little bit of a squeeze).  The wait on a friday or saturday for dinner can be really long.  You can put your name down and go grab a few drinks at the bars nearby and they will text you once the table is ready.  The shortest I've waited was 30 min and the longest was 2 1/2 hours.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/3/2015

    I came to visit some schmuck I was dating that lived in Chicago. He's gone, but my love affair with Au Cheval will live on forever. And guess what?!? Now I live in Chicago and can go whenever I want (sans schmuck)!

    Before I even lived here I went to Au Cheval every time I visited Chicago. Every. Single. Time. Here's why: that burger is flipping amazing. I've been for dinner, brunch and lunch and I've ordered it several times. It's always great. The BACON!!!! It's heaven. I'll also tell you I had the best matzoh ball soup and blueberry muffin I've ever eaten. Everyone I've ever gone with has enjoyed their food as well.

    You will probably have to wait to get in and be seated, but I promise you it's worth it. Service has always been prompt and friendly.

    This place is a gem!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/22/2015

    The duck confit is a must there! Burgers are great there too! Delicious and rich. The place has a good balance of the bar and dining environment. If you're in the west loop area, you definitely should go and try it!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/29/2015

    Used to be 5 stars but the idea of waiting in a 2.5 hour line to enjoy this place is a little infuriating.  It's nice that they'll call you when your place in line is next but When you visit from out of town and have to take an Uber there, and there is no where else to kill time at, I'll just go eat somewhere else and try to go again if I ever visit on a Wednesday.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/6/2015

    Believe the hype. This is truly the best burger in America. For the best balance, go for the single (which is really two 4oz paties). Perfectly seasoned prime beef grilled to a perfect medium with american cheese, some incredible house made bacon, a gooey sunny side egg. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

    What else could you want? Fries you say? Go for the luxurious version topped w/ a fried egg, mournay sauce and garlic aioli... You won't regret it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/16/2014

    I got the double cheeseburger (which has 3 meat patties on it, so if you want 2 meat patties then just order the regular one). I added bacon (which was $3.50) and an egg (which was $1, I believe) and the add ons definitely were not worth the cost. The egg made the burger really messy and difficult to eat. The bacon was definitely not for me.. it was thick cut and no way worth $3.50. I went a little before 12pm on a Monday and sat at the bar. If you go during lunch hour and want a table-- prepare to wait... if you try to go after 5pm or on a weekend.. prepare to wait longer.

    It was a good burger though, although the price was a bit excessive. If I went back I would just get the regular burger and not add the egg and bacon.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    10/13/2014

    The Way A Burger Should Taste!

    A West Randolph burger joint that stands alone for it's rustic charm, great music, friendly & upbeat energy... and some Kick A-- burgers, fries and pickles that will have you talking about them until you can get our next fix!

    We were so impressed, on our first visit, that  we brought 3 meals back for our doormen. They've all trekked back across town, at different times, to get what they say are the best burgers they've ever eaten.

    No argument from me. Give them a try and tell me what you think.
    Burger Up!

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/16/2015

    My fiancè & I were excited to try the "best burger in the city" as for the experience it is as follows: 1. Long wait (we were ok with that) 2. Small & a tad crowded 3 the music is insanely loud. Seriously bring an Advil. 4. The food was.... Delicious. Truly very good. Overall it's a little overpriced and the music is terribly loud but the food is on point.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/10/2014

    I'm a sucker for anything with a fried egg on top... so naturally, this place ranks pretty high up on my list. Seriously... their fried egg is made to perfection. No joke.

    I ordered the 'Single' Cheeseburger with, yes, a fried egg on top. Delicious! Let me warn you that 'Single' means TWO burger patties (not one). So a 'Double' actually comes with THREE burger patties. This isn't very clear on the menu but hey... it's more food so I had no complaints.

    I also ordered 'Crispy Fries' on the side which also comes with... a fried egg on top. Amazing! I'm pretty sure you could order basically anything on the menu with a fried egg on top--highly recommended.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/10/2014
    1 check-in

    I would say their cheeseburger was probably the best quality meat I've ever had on sand which. The flavor was absolutely delicious. Make sure to add on either an egg or some bacon. I chose just bacon and it was ridiculously thick and tender.
    The fries were very expensive and just ok, but the garlic aioli sauce was almost drinkable. So delicious! Make sure to get their in good time, because the wait can be extremely long. Huge list of craft beer though, that is very delicious.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/5/2015

    Definitely worth the wait !!!  I would never imagined I would wait that long for a burger, but it was highly recommended to me by my sister-in-law law and she is one of the most inpatient persons I know.  I would wait twice as long even to just get a bite off of a strangers burger.  The atmosphere is great too.  An all around must go to place.!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/26/2015 Updated review

    After trying Au Cheval multiple times, I have finally perfected my personal order for their great burgers.

    1. Double Cheeseburger with Eggs -- The double cheeseburger actually has three patties. The eggs go perfectly with the beef, as it adds a different element of juiciness. I would never have imagined that yolk would go so well with a cheeseburger before I tried Au Cheval.

    2. Side of Bacon -- Make sure you ask for a full side of bacon ($8), not just a side of bacon for the burger (only two small pieces). I have found that the standard side of bacon for the burger is simply not enough; the three patties of beef significantly overpowers the bacon, and you are left for more pig.

    In summary, don't just get a double cheeseburger with eggs and bacon. Take the bacon out of the burger and ask for a full side of it. If you do that, you will have (at least in my opinion), the perfect burger order at Au Cheval.

    5.0 star rating
    3/8/2015 Previous review
    Finally tried what's widely considered the best burger joint in Chicago. I came with a friend on a… Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    2/4/2014
    3 check-ins

    So, I'm not sure what the hype is all about being the 'Best Burger in Chicago' or 'The Biggest Bigger'. But, it seems to me that everyone walks in here is because 'they heard it's a must do.' Smaller place, don't take reservations, and even on a weekday winter cold night at 6:30, my friend and I had a 30 minute wait, so it was more like 15.  Some of the bar seats do full service, so if you're okay with that, let the host know. Even with a wait, you can walk out and come back, they will just text you.

    Looking at other reviews before I came in, I guess you can order special requests, but our waitress, who was nice, and busy, but seemed like she wanted to be off the clock, never gave us any details about the menu. We ordered burgers, which to me, was too salty. And it came with American Cheese. The best part was the fried egg.

    It's a fun bar setting, not too loud, very chatty. Different dynamics of people, first dates, to guys night out, to a mom and her son. Sitting at the bar was fun watching the cooks prepare the meals. Beer list is great too.

    If you're in the neighborhood, walking down Randolph, and you can find a seat at the bar for a beer, great! Maybe even get the french fries. Otherwise- if you like good burgers, go for big patty's, fresh ingredients, and real cheese over to any other steak restaurant.

    We weren't rushed, we had a good time, stayed for an hour and half, and next time I go back, I may order a salad, heard those were good, and that is, if I go back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/28/2014
    4 check-ins ROTD 1/26/2015

    I'm not even certain my heart is ready to give this review, as I'm still emotionally connected to my evening here the other night. In the least (most) dramatic fashion, I'll try to recount my experience at Au Cheval --- aka: The Mother Ship (of Burgers).

    Like folklore, I was told of a place where burgers were better than you could dream, and this seemed lofty, considering I dream about them a lot already. The use of the phrase "best burger in..." is thrown around like a child's new toy. It's shiny at first, but begins to look and feel like the others. It's a fleeting experience and the high never matches the anticipation. Well, I'm here to tell you that this high is laced with something different.

    The burgers here are amazing. Melt-in-your-damn-mouth amazing. The wait? 2 hours. I never believe anyone when they say you're going to wait a long time, but since Au Cheval is not about lies, it was truly 2 hours. It's no big deal. You're not exactly in a food or drink desert, so just go grab a drink or two and wait it out. When you finally do get your table, you'll be surprised that your burger (assuming you order this, and why wouldn't you?) will come in 10 MINUTES! It's equal parts annoying and satisfying. Somehow you want to understand how a place that makes you wait 2 hours for a table doesn't take ridiculously long to create their food, but on the same hand, you've waited for 2 hours, so you're not sure if you should be concerned, excited, or just confused. Assuming you're in the latter two, your experience will soon be masked with beef ecstasy.

    Get the double. Why are you there if you don't? They pretty much don't let you alter the sandwich, or if they do, they don't encourage and / or advertise the possibility. But, much like a drug dealer, you take what you get. The meat (not ironically used) is slightly sweet with the perfect amount of salty cheese. To be honest, I'm not even certain what was on my plate at this point because after my first hit, I mean bite, I inhaled the sandwich and accompanying fries in a blind fury that could only be witnessed by those with a strong stomach. Have you ever seen Jaws?

    Anyway, the prices are great. You would think for as "classy" of a diner as this is that you'd pay out-the-ass for this experience, but I assure you that you and your wallet will be happy. Also, you should drink some booze and essentially do whatever they tell you. After consuming, what I believe to be the second coming on a plate, I would've walked across the Sahara* had they insisted.

    I've gotten off-track, but essentially my review should just read: "Eat here. Now."

    *It should be noted that this could be due to that fact that while the burger was as amazing as described, it's possible that beef prepared in such a way instantly clogs both heart and brain vessels and could lead to mind-altering choices, such as signing up to walk across the Sahara.

    **I'm not certain if I missed anything here, such as drinks available, service, etc., but it wasn't necessary to even mention. The server was wonderful, and frankly, E.T. could have taken our order and I would've eaten the burger with the same voracity.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/13/2014

    Loved the ambiance here, the music is loud but you can still have a nice conversation without screaming.

    I definitely recommend the ROOT BEER!! I'm not typically a fan of it was but dang, it is some really good stuff.

    General jane's fried chicken- too salty in my opinion but it's good fried chicken
    Single cheeseburger- it's huge and delicious especially with the thick slice of peppered BACON and fried egg!
    Fried house-made bologna sandwich- I like how thinly sliced the bologna was, I definitely recommend this
    French fries- served with aioli sauce...*drooling*

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/29/2015

    When you come to Au Cheval be ready to grab a drink at a restaurant nearby because the wait is worth it, Besides the outstanding burgers, delicious bone marrow and spicy chicken, the atmosphere is great. Sitting at the counter, I loved watching the staff that seemed to enjoy working there.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/5/2014
    3 check-ins

    Yeah, the burger is legit. Yeah, the service can be hit or miss. I am somewhat torn after a few experiences. I think the law of diminishing returns has kicked in for me.

    I've enjoyed the burger with egg & bacon, fried chicken, bologna with bacon, and the sides to go with. It's almost magical the first time you have a run-in with Au Cheval. I can say you won't be disappointed from the food to the atmosphere.

    I likened the burger experience to that of enjoying an old fashioned. You let it arrive at the table, stare at it for a minute, creep your nose in for a whiff and just sit back. Take a few sips, or bites in this case, and just let it marinade. Let it mature and dive back in. It gets better as the time passes.

    My most recent encounter left me a bit confused. I came hungry and buzzed on an empty stomach which was not a great move in hindsight. I may have interrupted the waitress for a drink in a rude way but sincerely apologized. I was at fault. At that point I surrendered but there was nothing I could to make up for it. I was in the dog house the rest of the evening. While ordering I got the "let me check with the chef" to confirm if we can do it your way. Rubbed me the wrong way.

    And there I sat with the check near a c-note and not feeling the whole experience was  worth the hard earned coin. Maybe it's just me, maybe it's my opinion, but I will approach with caution next time.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    Great food, unbearably loud music.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/18/2015
    1 check-in

    Au Cheval...you do not disappoint and actually live up to the hype!  I waited for less than an hour on a Monday evening which isn't too bad considering they typically have a long wait.  They took our name and number down so that we didn't have to wait around, and my friend and I went across the street to grab a drink at Haymarket Brewery.  Here are my thoughts and comments about dining at Au Cheval!

    1. (Random note) Au Cheval directly translate to horse in French...interesting.
    2. The burgers are as good as everyone says.  Are they THE BEST EVER?  I'm not sure about that but I can say they are outstanding!  I had mine topped with an egg and thick cut peppered bacon.  The single cheeseburger like everyone mentioned actually comes with 2 patties.  Why they didn't call it a double and the double a triple??  I'll never understand!  The patties were thin but not overly thin and were very tender and juicy. The egg was cooked perfectly with the yolk having the right amount of runny-ness and the bacon was thick, fatty, and melt in your mouth tender.  YUMMMY!
    3. If you like garlic aioli, definitely order the fries since that's the sauce they serve it with.  I thought the fries were perfectly prepared but my friend thought they were too salty...so beware if you don't like salty fries.
    4. The "Sweet leif" beer is pretty darn tasty with a complex taste.  It's a "local option" that is brewed with sencha green tea and you can actually taste the green tea when drinking!  When you first take a sip it tastes like your typical beer, then the green tea flavor hits you, and THEN there's a sweet aftertaste.  Highly recommend if you like beer and tea!
    5. Service was mediocre, our waiter checked on us only a few times throughout the meal and when we were ready for the check he was no where to be found.  This isn't a big deal to me but it would have been nice if he had been around just a tad bit more.

    Overall, Au Cheval is the bomb and I can't wait to come back and try other things on their menu as well as their brunch!  Don't be scared off by the wait time since the food is definitely worth waiting for.  There are plenty of bars/restaurants up and down Randolph Street for you to grab a drink at while you eagerly wait in anticipation for their text!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/7/2015
    1 check-in

    What can I say that someone hasn't already said, however, the experience was amazing.
    We arrived at 11:00 am and proceeded to begin our eclectic food experience.  Ryan our waiter was outstanding his recommendations were spot on!  The food is over the top and I will dream about the bone marrow   I cannot wait until I come back again.  Best burger in Chicago!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/31/2015

    I'd heard that Au Cheval's burgers were the best in the midwest, which led to some pretty high expectations going in for my first time. Yet, Au Cheval did not disappoint. They gave me what may have been the *best* burger I've ever had. I requested a double cheeseburger with bacon and surprised when they brought out a monster with 3 patties and slices of bacon that were probably 1 centimeter thick. Yowzas! It was delicious... and the fries were good, too.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/24/2014

    Came here on a sat night after work around 1 and it was packed.  Ordered the single cheeseburger (it's actually a double) added the thick cut peppered bacon and fried egg, French fries and a whisky drink.  Basic drink, it was packed so can't blame them but the food took a while and it was extremely salty.  I'm pretty sensitive to salt but it was overwhelming.  I was pretty tipsy tho so I ate it and didn't mind too much but totally regretted it the next day.  For a $22 dollar burger defiantly not worth it but happy I got to try it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/27/2015

    Cheeseburger heaven. I know Au Cheval has many other items on their menu, but my brother brought me here just to try the burger while I was visiting a few weeks ago. There was a wait, but we were able to put our names in, go down the street for a beer while we waited and then they called us when a table was available. Plus, our table had an awesome view of the Chicago skyline. This place is a can't miss in Chicago!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/23/2015

    The kitchen opens at 5pm for dinner so if you come in later you might have to wait a while to be seated. The space is not that big.

    I came here with a friend and we both got the single cheeseburger with a egg and fries. The fries were crispy and was served with aioli. I liked the cheeseburger and adding an egg to it was a good choice because it tasted so much better than just your regular cheeseburger. I'm not usually a burger person, but this was a good burger.

    One thing is eat your burger fast while it's still warm; otherwise, when it's cold, the burger will taste really salty because of the cheese.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/1/2014
    1 check-in

    Their burger was definitely a must have item. We had it with thick-cut bacon and egg. We also shared general Jane's honey-fried chicken with chili, sesame seeds & cilantro and fries. It was a lot of food for two of us. I would definitely like to go back and try some other items.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/29/2015

    Food was good, burger was tasty but basic. However, with the reputation of the place, the long wait and the high prices I expected more.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/31/2014
    4 check-ins

    Having been here three times now (a going away lunch for a close friend, a treat for a co-worker, and my own going away lunch from my last work place) I'm long overdue for a review of Au Cheval.  And if you can't tell already, I'm definitely a fan!

    Environment:  Definitely a hipster scene to the place in terms of decor and staff.  The music tends to be loud, so it's a bit harder to talk, but typically you can adjust pretty fast.  Not the "romantic date" night spot, but if you don't mind a more energized scene, well worth it.

    Service:  Friendly staff, kept the water flowing at all times without being intrusive, and happy to explain/recommend items on the menu.  Have to say, great staff here!

    Now onto the food:

    General Jane's Honey Fried Chicken - These are the ever popular "lolipop" chicken wings with the tendon cut and the meat pushed up.  But that perfect crisp along with excellent sauce makes it really quite delicious.  A great appetizer to share, but it could likely serve as a light lunch on it's own.

    Omelette:  Easily the richest omelette I've ever had.  Perfectly formed, very velvetey/buttery, I've never had an omelette quite like this before.  Worth checking out if you're doing paleo, and if you're an omelette fan, but otherwise, the main feature here is really their burger...

    Single vs Double Cheeseburger:  Much like Five Guys, the labeling is deceiving.  THe single is actually a double, and the double is actually a triple.  Order accordingly.  And since this was voted one of the best burgers in Chicago, this is the main reason I went to check this out in the first place...  And I have to say, it did not disappoint.  The burger was flavorful, the bun was just right, it's cooked properly...  This is a great burger.  Optionally, you can add a fried egg (which will leak all over the burger adding ridiculous richness) and bacon to the burger for an upcharge.  I personally thought it was well worth the upcharge.

    Mille Feuille:  If you've saved room for dessert, this might be worth checking out your first time here.  Interestingly, compared to the very rich food you just had, this pastry feels light and easy (though don't be fooled, I have no doubt tons of butter and fresh cream grace this recipe).  Shatteringly crisp layers of pastry with fluffy cream between each layer, the only thing that's truly light here is the flavor, and it becomes somewhat hard to appreciate how great this is after all the powerful rich flavors of what you just had on the menu.  It's a great dessert to try, fun presentation (6 inches tall!) and tasty on it's own, but after  a strong flavored meal, the flavors dull a bit in comparison.  Still, enjoyable!

    Verdict:  Excellent well thought out food, great service, hip ambiance... very tasty stuff indeed.  My only complaint is that the one time I went for my going away party during lunch, I had called ahead two days in advance to ask if it would be alright to have a table of 8 seated, which they claimed no problem.  Upon on arrival, they weren't willing to seat a table of 8, and instead split us into two tables of four, even though they had a few tables that were available right next to each other...  confusion amongst staff?  But overall, I'd definitely come back, and looking forward to bringing the wife here for a late night meal... they're open until 1:30 AM!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/2/2014

    Hands down the best burger in Chicago! To go along with the burger, the fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and a fried egg are excellent. I would also recommend a side of the thick cut peppered bacon. All in all this place is great but I would get there early for lunch if you don't want to wait. If you do have to wait, trust me it is well worth it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/20/2015

    Amazing food, can't say enough good things about this place. A ridiculously good burger, great service, sweet atmosphere.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/26/2015

    Favorite burger in chicago- runny egg, premium beef and lots of good grease = amazing.  Have a friend wait for 3 hours then u can get a table (maybe).   They should open another location.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/20/2015

    Great atmosphere, music, food. Four stars due to lack of free parking and long and I mean long wait.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/25/2015

    Incredibly overrated burgers. I went on a busy Sunday for brunch and felt like I was being rushed out. Besides that, the service was okay. It's loud, you have to wait in line to get in. It is what it is.

  • 2.0 star rating
    5/10/2015

    Oh people of Chicago!  I weep thinking of how packed this place is and how impossible it is to get a table for such below average fare.  Chicagoans know good food.  But frankly, based on the reviews for this restaurant they no nothing of burgers.  To be fair, this place only gave me food poisoning, it didn't kill my first born.  Also, the staff was top notch.  They should find a better restaurant to work at so I can order from them again.  

    As to the food, yes I've had the items people rave about on their menu.  I had the cheeseburger with bacon and the fried egg; the specialty.  My stomach and intestines found it special too.  Its not often I taste my food again while sitting on my porcelain throne; I was honored indeed.  I also had the bone marrow.  The bone marrow was good.  Its just roasted bone marrow, hard to mess up.  But the beef cheek marmalade that came with the marrow was terrible.  Its beef cheeks!  The best meat on the cow, seriously, it takes skill to screw up that cut.  I guess if pestered enough I could go back and try the rest of their menu, but thankfully my friends aren't sadists.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/11/2014

    An hour wait, but well worth it especially for the experience. My friend and I both got the burger w a fried egg on top (a must!) and we shared the duck heart hash. All were pretty decent. Got a few drinks plus the pickle shot- first time drinking it and loved it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/5/2015

    Any place that plays Nas & the Fugees on reel-to-reel is cool in my book.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/15/2015

    If I had to give you one tip (and only one) it would be to arrive early. The kitchen opens at 5 but the bar and tables are available for searing beforehand. My friend and I got here at 430 and no tables were empty so we happily took our place at open kitchen/bar.

    We were greeted kindly by a server from whom we ordered cocktails while waiting for the kitchen to open. We chose "Horses Mouth" which is essentially a Moscow mule, made with Old Overholt Rye, rather than vodka. To be honest, I don't usually expect much in cocktails from restaurants that don't specialize in cocktails, but I enjoyed this drink enough to order a second.

    At 4:45 the server came around and took everybody's order so that the kitchen could promptly start preparing the food at 5. I thought this was a really great touch for such a busy restaurant. My friend and I weren't particularly starving so we shared a single cheeseburger and added a fried egg on top and also ordered a side of smashed potatoes with gravy.

    After much anticipation, the food finally arrived. I have to admit that it was only in front of us for about 7 minutes before our plates were pretty much empty. The burger was perfectly cooked and DELICIOUS. I was slightly disappointed that I had to share, but then remembered the side of smashed potatoes. Let me just tell you right now that I am a huge fan of mashed potatoes, with or without gravy, but these were fantastic. I feel like the concept of mashed potatoes WITH gravy is a lost art, but Au Chevail has managed to master it. It reminded me of the amazing potatoes and gravy that my parents used to make for me.

    All in all, this was an amazing experience and an amazing burger. Very friendly staff; good music volume; and lighting that doesn't require you to use the handy flashlight app on your phone.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/23/2014
    1 check-in

    I had been hearing about the burger here for a long time.  Never did I think that everything mentioned about this burger was true.  This is the second best burger I've ever had in my life and definitely the best by far in the city of Chicago.   There was a bit of a wait when I got there but it went much faster than estimated.  In the meantime I was able to walk down the street for some coffee from Little Goat.

    The servers were very friendly.  The only downside to this place is the overwhelming lack of vegetarian options.  All of the fried items are fried in lard to give them an amazing crisp texture and flavor.

    Overall I can't believe how cheap everything was relative to the quality of the food.  It is definitely one of the best values in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/10/2014
    1 check-in

    When you walk in it looks like a mix of dive bar, diner, and gastropub.  We showed up pretty late - around 11pm after most other restaurants in the city were closed.  The place is dark.  There's a very small spotlight on each table that you have to use to read the menu.  The rest of the table has zero light aside from some small candles.

    Even with that first impression, the food was very good.  We had the General Jane's chicken and bone marrow to start.  Both were very good.  Chicken was meaty and had a nice sweet garlic sauce with a bit of spice.  Even the garlic toast with the bone marrow was excellent.

    I went with the double cheeseburger with a fried egg and bacon.  The bacon is not really bacon, but more like smoked pork belly.  It's thick.  It's a meal in itself.  With the double patty, cheese, egg, and the pork, it was a substantial burger that I couldn't even finish.

    We had fries and the hashbrowns with it.  The fries were good.  The hashbrowns weren't anything special.  Too greasy in my opinion.

    Aside from the food, they have a large beer on tap selection.

    This is a great place to have a good greasy burger.  If you're into healthy food, the fresh fish (was salmon that night) was good, but I think you would be better served there if you are ready for your grease fix.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/22/2014

    We had a terrific Friday lunch for "Hamburger Day" here and enjoyed the experience.   This is a small place with Great Music playing the entire time.   We were told it would be a 30 min wait and we could stand to the left of the door and the waiter would take our drink order while we waited.  Our table was called in 15 min and they simply moved our drinks to our food order. I hate it when restaurants make you pay separate for drinks when you came in to eat    

    Service was great and so were the burgers!    Check it out for yourself!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/12/2015

    One of the best meals I had in Chicago!  Started with a unique and rare beer,  had the bone marrow (so good!). And finished off lunch with the Burger with egg and bacon (a must).  If you're on vacation in Chicago, this is a GREAT place to go.  Great vibe, amazing food and top place for a nice meal at a fair price.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/22/2015

    The burger lives up to the hype!  It's worth the 2 hour wait for sure!  While you're waiting, pop in to Lone Wolf for a Boilermaker and you'll be texted that your table is ready before you know it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/7/2014

    This place is simply amazing!!! Best burger and bloody in Chicago.  It's small so if you go (and I think you should!) I would encourage you to go at odd hours (before noon, late nights) or stalk the first come first bar seating, or be ready to wait 45-1hr+.  Btw, the cheeseburger a Cheval will be two meat patties if you grab brunch here, so if you want less meat, make sure you ask!

    Also, the marrow is pretty good but not as fantastic as everyone says - worth a shot though.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/24/2015

    A fantastic burger - doesn't live up to the hype of 'best burger I've ever had', but not once would I say 'not for me' if it was placed in front of me. The thick cut bacon & fried egg on the burger is definitely the veteran move.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/1/2014
    1 check-in

    No words can describe how delicious the chilaquiles are!!!  I don't eat red meat and was a little bummed that the claim to fame is the burger.  I didn't miss out when I ordered the chilaquiles!!

    We sat at the bar and had amazing service and watched them in action as they prepared each order.  

    The service as delightful and the food was incredible.  I will definitely be back for dinner!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/30/2015

    It was literally a 2 hour wait... but that burger is DEFINITELY WORTH every minute of waiting. my suggestion is you go and sign up on th waiting list and then go play pool around the corner or drink coffee and chat or go do something cool and then prepare to have your socks blown off by the food when you come back

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/15/2015

    Good burger.  I was very skeptical as it seems to be a very cool place to get a burger. Nevertheless, as many people claim, I actually am a burger expert. The burgers are good here. The single is actually 2 thin patties, which they have figured out how to cook medium/medium well.  There are obviously very skilled cooks or chefs in the back. You must be a fan of mayonnaise, as the coleslawish garnish has it for sure. The cheddar cheese is high quality. The fries are fresh cut and come with garlic aioli, heavy garlic - but great. I liked the meal. Share the fries. 1 for 2, or 2 for 3 or 4. Service was spot on.  It left me desiring no more or less attention. Thanks Au Cheval!

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 3.0 star rating
    1/13/2014
    2 check-ins

    I'd been once many months ago for drinks. Last night, Sun 1/12/14, I stopped in on a hungry whim. Heard the burger is "the best in Chicago." Umm...it's good, but nowhere close to the best. Not far away on Milwaukee and Kinzie is the best burger I've ever had, Paramount Room's wagyu burger. That absolutely trounces Au Cheval's!

    Alas, Au Cheval has the benefit of hype on its side. It's part of a consortium of restaurants that are very good, or so I hear. Gilt Bar is among them and that place is top notch. I haven't been to Maude's or Bavette's or the rest of their spots.

    Au Cheval is dark. Dark from the outside, for the longest time I lived close by and always assumed it was closed. It's like one way glass tinting. From the inside you can see the street but not vice versa. It's very low lit inside, which I like. Geris probably won't but then this ain't the place for ya. It's easy to call this place hipster but that does it a disservice as it has more of an eclectic clientele (read, everyone in Chicago...back to that hype machine!).

    Now I feel bad doing a review based on one visit, one burger, but maybe I'll stop in again for something else and update this.

    The burger is two patties, NOT cooked to order, stacked high on a plain bun. Cheese might be American? House-made pickles are really good, not too sweet like store-bought crap. There's a dijon/mayo combo sauce which had a nice little horseradish-y taste. Bacon is Gilt-Bar-house-made and Au-Cheval-finished as a friendly cook explained to me. It's quite a process with multiple maple infusions and heating steps. It's ultra thick, about the same thickness as the burger patties, which are, to me, non-gourmet-burger-thin.

    Nice menu of mixed drinks, excellent, if pricey, beer selections. $3.50 house whiskey shot is a nice touch. And if you're slumming it, apparently they have $3 tallboys of crap beer available. PBR and Schlitz and the like. I found it funny that the cooks were drinking Tecate cans while working. Cool!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/31/2015

    Had a great quick lunch today at Au Cheval. I was greeted immediately by Maggie, who directed me to the bar. As a server myself, you can tell she was on point - always keeping communication up with her fellow staff as to where she sat two-tops, three-tops, etc. Great introduction to my first time expectations of Au Cheval.

    My server, Ryan, was very prompt and personable. I am a craft brew guy and, seeing as Ryan had a full section of guest, he took the time to recommend an AMAZING bready pale ale from Evil Twin brewers. After talking beer with him, he also provided me with a taster of this great sour mash that I have never had. Great, personable service I received.

    I haven't even got to the food yet but do I need to paint a picture of the burger here? If you live in the city you've heard about this burger. It absolutely holds up to the hype. Worth traveling to experience.

    Overall it was a good dining experience - service was great from the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out. Something I take very seriously, hence why I am writing this review. Would absolutely recommend this place.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/7/2014
    1 check-in

    Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!  The food here is bomb and so tasty, but i felt everything was slightly on the saltier side.  Keep in mind, NO RESERVATIONS, i would come promptly at opening, the average wait usually runs 1.5hrs, put your name down and wander the neighborhood or go grab drinks elsewhere.  Their brunch menu is limited and doesn't feature all the amazing delicious sounding dishes on their dinner menu.

    I tried a side of bacon, it's legit sweet glazed thick cut pork belly cook to perfection!  So tasty and delicious, definitely a must order for sharing if you like pork.  The burger here is really tasty, get it with all the fixings, perfectly seasoned and cook.  They definitely know how to make a bomb burger!  

    Get the crispy fries for sharing, so good topped with their sauce and fried egg.  It also comes with a side of garlic aioli.  The fries are double fried, super crispy but not oily, packed with so much flavor :)

    Last i sampled the chilaquiles, it was okay but a little strange.  This dish was also a little salty and oily from the greasy chips.  The top it with too much sour cream, good guac, and this weird egg and cheese scramble which didn't have enough flavor or texture, it was like eating egg fluff.  I didn't care for the chilaquiles only because it was too salty, greasy chips, and kind of plain.

    Interior is small, open kitchen, almost hipster feel and music.  Place is always crowded but worth trying if you want hearty american food.  Get the bacon, the burger, and the fries, they are so tasty and packed with flavor!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/30/2015
    1 check-in

    A tight tight tight restaurant, lots of locals, hip in crowd, they do not take reservations, 6 big men put into a booth made for four prople I got the bitch seat in the middle, and thought this food better be good!  It was, we ordered the foie gras pate with a jam to start, a bone marrow and a fried chicken with an Asian flare and a little spicy to die four, next course go all six of us was the burger with the an egg, nice fresh pickles and a nice aioli, I was stuffed and so were my table mates but they forced the burger down, one of best if not best burger I ever had in my life!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/12/2015
    7 check-ins

    Everything about the place is great, except you usually wait for at least an hour... The single cheeseburger is my favorite with an egg on top... The chilaquiles are also great!! Espresso really good and lots of local beers...

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/26/2014
    1 check-in

    All you need in life is the single burger (which still comes with two patties) with a fried egg and the super delicious thick cut bacon. After our first bites my friend and I looked up at each other in awe, I don't know how a burger could be on such an entirely different level than all other burgers I've previously eaten.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/28/2015

    Awesome burger and hash browns!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/20/2015

    One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Usually a long wait but it's worth it every time. I got a bacon cheeseburger, man was it guuuuuuud.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/29/2014
    1 check-in

    This is a great place if you have the time to grab a few drinks (the ones you were gonna order at and post dinner anyway) while in line. It's got a comfortable, romantic ambiance.

    Had to try their famous open faced bacon and cheese fondue / fried egg. Can't really go wrong with anything smothered in melted cheese and some thick pieces of bacon with a fried egg that fits perfectly aligned on top of the bun. This is the glutinous reason you ordered this, so mind as well indulge!
    *Note, the taste of this burger was heightened by the Old Fashioned, a few of them.

    Also shared the foie gras with a cherry tart jam. I'm always down for foie gras, and the cherry sauce was awesome.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/12/2015

    I've wanted to try this place for a long time, and decided, what the heck and  treated myself to lunch.  I strolled in and was informed it would be a twenty minute wait - turned out to be maybe five.  I ordered the double bacon burger and fries. I was served three patties, cooked perfectly, delicious pork belly and truffle fries.  I wasn't expecting it to be so heavenly.  Yes, worth the walk and the wait.  I will return.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/27/2015

    if you haven't tried this place yet, don't let the long wait deter you. yes, it absolutely is a super long wait to get a table/seat, but it's certainly an experience that every food enthusiast should try out at least once.

    so. lotta buzz about that au cheval burger. lotta buzz. i got the single cheeseburger with bacon and a fried egg on top, and while i didn't find it life-changing or earth-shattering, it was still a really, really, really delicious burger, and eating it was an immensely pleasurable experience. i'm a sucker for anything with a fried egg on it, so that was messy and delightful and delicious. the meat itself was nice and juicy. while the bacon was quite delightful, next time i will get it on the side -- i found that it overpowered the rest of the burger for me. we also got fries with our burgers, and if i hadn't gorged myself on the burger itself, i probably would have eaten more fries because they were nice and crisp, and the garlic aioli was dope. really what *made* the experience for me was the root beer -- GOOD GOD THAT ROOT BEER. SO. DELICIOUS. it was my favorite part of the meal, hands down.

    the wait staff seemed well-meaning, but quite scattered and frantic. we were left alone for quite a while until we started asking around for our server. he was apologetic and our orders did come out quite quick. it would have been nice to have more attentive service, but i guess it wasn't that bad when you consider how busy the place was. the space itself is very dark, it's loud, and it's a bit cramped. not normally something i'm into, but an ambience generally befitting of a place with this kinda buzz, i suppose.

    maybe the best part of my au cheval experience was standing outside, waiting for our table, people-watching, and listening to dejected people gripe about the wait. the indignation is super entertaining/priceless.

    anyway, i will be back at some point, if only for the root beer alone.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/3/2014
    1 check-in

    Omg the bacon here is off the chain!!!  Thick cut slices of greatness. I would come here and just order 5 orders as bacon as my meal.

    I came here with a group of five. Waited about an hour and a half. It was worth it for the bacon. The fries here are really crispy and crunchy. I really like the aioli sauce bc it has a spicy kick to it. I ordered the cheeseburger with bacon and a fried egg. It was enormous and I think next time I would ask for only one patty.

    I cant stress enough how awesome the bacon is......make sure you order a side of it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/10/2013

    A burger and bone marrow. If they could somehow import some barbecue brisket from Texas, I daresay they have all the best B foods in the world covered. Au Cheval was probably number one on my Chicago bucket list, and I'm finally glad to have checked it off.

    It's small, doesn't take reservations, and feels generally daunting whenever you're out and about the West Loop during peak times. Naturally, we ambled in on a pre-lunch weekday, immediately following a hearty breakfast at Little Goat.

    The burger: fantastic, simple, tasty. We added a fried egg. A must. After seeing the thick-slab bacon, I daresay that should be a staple as well. There's nothing fancy about Au Cheval's burger; it's just good eating. Bon Appetit calls it a "zero pretension" burger, and I wholeheartedly agree. It looks like how a cheeseburger should look, and tastes like how a cheeseburger should taste.

    The bone marrow: Yum. I can't decide which offering was better, Au Cheval's or The Purple Pig's. I will say that Au Cheval's beef cheek marmalade was a nice cherry on top, packed full of flavor and a nice reference to a provencal daube stew that warms the belly on a cold night.

    The rest: the whole menu is made for eating, even the $9.95 chile con carne and corn chips. Uhh, out and about in Texas, we call that sucker a Frito Pie, and it costs a buck-fitty at a little league baseball game. I won't hold the profit maximization against you, Au Cheval. The place and decor immediately became one of my favorites in Chicago. The service was prompt and friendly. And the beer list was hearty and stout.

    Now I just need to find some off-peak time to amble in again. And hey, Au Cheval, if you want to FedEx some BBQ from Texas Hill Country, well, I'll eat that too.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/30/2014

    Let me say this upfront... THE BEST BACON I've ever tasted.  Period.  I single out the bacon because even though I don't eat it much, it's obviously the one ingredient that made an already-superb tasting beef patty even more glorious.  Not sure how they cook their beef, but wow, what an INCREDIBLY tasty sandwich.  Everything in it was well-seasoned.  And did I read that correctly... $11 for a double (ahem... the menus says "single") gourmet hamburger!?  Holy, holy cow... literally.    

    For being so popular, Au Cheval felt a bit limited in space (If I were them, I would consider expanding).  We were lucky to get a table in under 20 minutes while waiting at the bar (great drinks, well-mixed).  We shared an order of bread & butter pickles and fries.  Sure, tasty... but not the greatest sides.  And then the burger arrived... on that hearty bun... with that shiny egg... with those juicy pickles... and that thick, tender BACON... everything melted in my mouth... then melted some more... Ok, I'll stop now. ;-)  

    BY FAR one of the best burger experiences I've ever had.  Anywhere.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/14/2014 Updated review
    1 check-in

    Wham bam thank you mam! I have been back a couple times since my first brunch, and I have to say - as an experience burger eater, this is my favorite burger in Chicago, hands down.

    I would appreciate a bit more room, as it is a small space, but hey, when you're eating the food - it's like nothing else exists.

    The last time I went, my friend and I got the fries with the fried egg and 3 sauces.  I had never gotten this dish and I am happy I did this time.  I would highly recommend ordering it along with your burger if you are feeling overly glutenous and want to stuff yourself silly.

    If I can leave you with one small tip - the single is a double and the double is a triple.

    Now go on, and get some meat.

    4.0 star rating
    12/6/2013 Previous review
    Saturday morning brunch with friends.  Of course there was a wait, I'm not sure when there isn't a… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    6/11/2014
    2 check-ins

    Everything they say is true.

    The menu is small, the ambiance is dark and vibey, and the burgers are awesome!

    I haven't actually had a single dish I haven't loved. Even the simple things like pickles, blueberry muffins, and English breakfasts...Au Cheval somehow takes them from good to great.

    The bloody marys are packed to the brim with pickles and there is a unique fruity breakfast drink called "the painkiller" - not to be missed.

    I know it is pretty useless to try to eat "healthy" at this joint, but I typically do a bunless burger and they are happy to accommodate. It isn't served in a lettuce wrap, just straight up on a plate to be enjoyed with a knife and fork. The burger itself is so f-ing fantastic, you don't miss the bun.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/18/2015
    1 check-in

    This place is amazing. Not only was the food and atmosphere perfect but since it was our first time they brought us a desert sampler for free. The long wait is definitely worth it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/5/2014
    6 check-ins

    PERFECTION - One word to describe what Au Cheval strives for. Au Cheval is a foodie's dream...The food is picture perfect and the tables even have spot lights for your food!! What else do you need? On top of that, the booths are made of nice leather that makes you feel classy and the music is right up my alley. i.e. Radiohead followed by LCD Soundsystem...mind blowing.

    I went back for the second time for the infamous burger and my oh my....freaken great. I got the fried egg and the bacon added on...of course! The bacon is mouthwatering and nice and thick w/hunks of black pepper and the burger's fixings create the perfect palate pleaser. Has to be one of my favorite burgers of all time.

    I also tried the Chilaquiles and the chips were crispy but not too oily. Fresh Jalepenos, red onions, cilantro, etc...Really good.

    Service could be a little better up front...but maybe she was having a bad day.

    Otherwise, Good job Au Cheval!!!!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/21/2015

    Rated best burger in the country, it's amazing, make sure to put an egg on it, but I think the bacon is a little much. The bologna sandwich is great too. The pork porterhouse is amazing, they only have a couple every day and they are for two people, get there early if you want in on that.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/15/2014

    Great ambiance with low lighting and intimate settings, but the music can be a little loud.  We went there at 4:30 p.m. to beat the crowd. There were people already there getting their drinks on.  They don't serve food until 5 so we ordered a couple drinks. I had one of their strong drinks called the Vieux Bonal which was tasty but a bit sweet for my taste (I don't like sweets to begin with).  

    For the food we ordered the roasted bone marrow which was absolutely DIVINE.  The beef cheek marmalade was sweet and meaty and it pairs perfectly with the toast. We also got the single cheeseburger  with a fried egg.  The single comes with two patties, the double comes with three.   This was definitely one of the best burgers I've ever tasted.  I love that they use a pretzel bun instead of a regular bun.  It definitely gives it that extra fancy kick. We also had the crispy fries which were good but I was expecting more than just fries with an egg on top.  Next time i'll be ordering a different side.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/18/2015

    Did not disappoint. They are associated with Gilt Bar and Maude's Liquor Bar, so I'm not surprised. We had the Horse's Neck (whiskey based with a ginger beer, so refreshing and perfect for summer) and Flapper (a little too much on the ice but a happy and not too overpowering flavorful gin drink) cocktails to start, shared fries, and for dinner had the foie groie eggs and toast and a double cheeseburger with an egg and bacon. I ended with a Hemingway Daquiri, which was both sweet and tart - it was like Christmas in the summer. The main dishes were rich and heavy, but oh so yummy; service was delightful and the food was quick (we were there around 5pm). Easy and free street parking but probably worse during the evening hours, yet otherwise not that bad. No reservations taken just like most of the other places in the west loop so try to get there early before the crowd gets there. Think of it as a pricey diner, but well worth the food and ambience. Great for date night or a drink with a friend!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/20/2014

    This is my favorite, if not, one of my top favorite burgers around.  With over 1000+ reviews, it's worth the visit even as a tourist!

    Seating is limited thus making it difficult to sit a large party.  Squeezing 6 of us to a booth on a hot day sounds unbearable, so we decided to just split up.  Service is great and ambiance is similar to a classy pub.

    They don't take reservations so arrive early when they open!  I got the single burger which is still huge and I had more than enough for leftovers.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/18/2014
    1 check-in
    Listed in My Chicago

    I've had good burgers, and I've had bad burgers. Hell, even the bad burgers are good burgers as far as I'm concerned. But I'm always on the quest for the best burgers and by jove I think I've found one.

    You know it's going to be good, when your mostly vegetarian friend recommends you get the burger. Because we all know, most vegetarians are jealous of meat eaters, specifically because of things like burgers. Burgers are a universal truth. To experience a perfect burger is to experience the meaning of life. A dead animal so perfectly elevated it will live forever in your mind's eye. (what?)

    For a tuesday evening, the wait was reasonable. Our conversation hovered around details. How one boutique hotel can be amazing, and another falls flat all because of the little things. The right chair, the proper arrangement of lamps... the little things make a huge difference in our experiences. Right?

    Au Cheval gets it... the wonderfully dark mood lighting with almost pitch black walls and ceiling. Your focus is pushed to what's in front of you. Your friends, and your food.

    It says a lot about a restaurant when EVERYTHING is good. Take the absolutely wonderful fries our server encouraged us to share. Perfectly salty and on their own... a great treat. No need to improve. But wait! The mayo provided was homemade and intensely garlicky. They could have served miracle whip and we would have been happy. But nope, they took the little details to another level.

    And ok, back to the burger. It arrived open faced so you can observe the perfectly cooked egg and it jiggled a little as it hit the table. Eggspertly (sorry) cooked to an exact sunny side up, it melted all over the burger as everything was put together.

    And the bacon! Holy moses the bacon was spectacular. More pork belly in cut than a typical thin slice, it was rendered to a state of soft porky heaven. The flavors and textures of the meat, cheese, egg & bun (plus pickles! yes! pickles!) mushed into each other so wonderfully there was no question I had to consume everything in front of me. Had there been a dozen more burgers on the table, I would have had to eat them as well.

    Side note, the typography on the menu is absurdly bad. SO bad, it couldn't have been intentional... that was the only detail that rubbed me the wrong way. But I'm an obnoxious graphic designer by trade so that's more on me than them.

    I can't wait to come back. Truly one of the best burgers in Chicago. It's a tiny spot, and looks to get pretty crowded but it's worth the wait. Service was typical friendly Chicago and I feel like I really got a lot of bang for my buck. Top notch!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/7/2015

    Best burger. Everything is really good.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/20/2015
    1 check-in

    Sooooooo delicious!  Didn't give five stars cause it was about a 2 hour wait (Friday after work). But I would definitely go back and wait again,  very nice and comfy place.  During the wait,  headed next door at Lone Wolf for drinks. The single burger was really double patties, which was very tasty, fresh, and made right in front of us (open grill). Ordered the wings as an appetizer and they were sticky goodness, drenched in this sweet sauce that you can dip your fries in (thanks to the chef giving us the heads up). Fabulous service and very clean place.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/2/2014

    Foie and eggs. I could eat that every day. The foie is seared crispy with that melty explosion of fantastic fun fat flavor in your mouth. Ugh, so good! How do they do that?!

    Also had the fried chicken which was Korean chicken wing style. Very solid and delicious.

    Bone marrow-more melty goodness in my mouth.

    Their cocktails are good. Service was good. During the wait, the hostess came and took our drink order and transferred it to our check. We sat at the bar in front of the cooking area. It was fun to see the chefs at work.

    I will go back to try their burger and brunch.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/22/2015

    Phenomenal burgers. I wish the wait wasn't so long, but if you come at the right time, you can get a seat without waiting. Definitely get the bacon topping.

  • 2.0 star rating
    6/13/2015 Updated review

    So, before leaving the city we decided to give this place another shot.  After a 2.5 hour wait on a Monday night at 6/8:30, we finally sat down and ate a pretty un-impressive burger.  I really have no idea why people rave about this burger ( I LOVE burgers and this place would never fall into my top 10).  I'm sure there's some more amazing things on the menu.  Just don't come here to wait for hours on this burger.  Not worth it at all! Simple.

    3.0 star rating
    2/21/2015 Previous review
    I've tried nearly every burger from Time-Out's 2013 burger guide.  I've tried tons of burgers from… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    12/9/2014 Updated review

    "Ron Swanson's Viagra"

    When people said that it was the best burger in the city, I had to try it. I categorize "best burger" award into two categories: traditional and weird (i.e. toppings). Nothing weird about the toppings here, just your regular ground beef, egg, bacon, and usual vegetable accoutrements. Beef was fresh, seasoned perfectly, and the egg was cooked the way you want it. I don't remember the cheese but it was soft, rich, silky and complemented the burger without overpowering it.

    And their bacon... I WANT IT IN MY WEDDING CAKE. Thick cut, peppered, and sugary glazed perfection. When God had his last meal, this bacon was within arms reach on the table. If I were an NFL player, after scoring a touchdown, I would pull a bowl of it out of my pants and proceed to feed on it without silverware. If there was an amateur night at a strip club and the grand prize was this exact bacon... I would rob the place while others were competing.

    Best traditional burger in the city of Chicago. Sorry Kuma's, you WERE the best like a decade ago. Time's are a changing.

    Tip: For dessert, order the fried bologna sandwich. If you don't, everyone around you will stare at you unfavorably.
    Tip #2: Go early! Otherwise you're going to have to wait.

    5.0 star rating
    10/18/2014 Previous review
    "Ron Swanson's Viagra"

    When people said that it was the best burger in the city, I had to try it. I…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    7/27/2014
    1 check-in

    Came as a tourist, left as a devout fan. There's likely a very long wait, so put your name down and walk around the area.

    Once inside, holy smokes: crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy and their cheeseburger are absolutely incredible. One of the best burgers I've ever had! We sat at the bar and the pace at which they make eggs, burgers, and everything else is incredible. My wife and I enjoyed watching them cook up a storm.

    Highly recommend if you are looking for a meal while in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/9/2014

    Great location next to several other amazing food venues. I would suggest making reservations as the restaurant packs people in like sardines. Also, the poor host is running on overdrive trying to process all the walk-in diners.

    I came for a late night dinner run with friends. Suffice to say, we waited an hour without reservations. However, given their text-to-table, set up, we could wander through the Randolph Street area without worrying that we missed our names.

    My friends settled on the burger fair (complete with a sunny side up egg, mind you) while I opted for the slightly heavier potato hash with an egg and duck fat gravy. Yep, duck fat. GRAVY. Seriously fantastic, but also seriously for those with a hankering for the rich and full fat. In the end, I think I won out since my two compadres thought the burger meat came out a bit oversalted.

    The lighting is a bit wanting and wonky. Our booth had one central light we had to fight over to see our menus. However, it acted as a beautiful spotlight for some quality food photography.

    Given the crowded hour-long wait and the heavy-handed seasoning on the burgers, Au Cheval impressed but still needs to live up to the seemingly well-deserved hype.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/21/2014

    This is my fourth review in a row for a Chicagoan restaurant that is a 4/5 star. I'm so impressed with how the food scene here has grown and grown.

    We came in on a Monday night and it was PACKED. I loved the vibe. Small place! Dark, but not too dark, with great music on the speakers. It was bustling and loud enough to get that great conversation buzz/murmur feel, but not too loud that I had to yell at my dining partner for her to hear me.

    We were told a 2 hour (!) wait, but stalked the bar like crazy people and were able to sit down within one cocktail (yes, that's how I measure time).

    We both got burgers with bacon and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they cooked them at medium automatically. We also had the chopped salad as a app and the fries with mornay sauce as a side. More and more drinks were consumed. Food came, scarfed down with reckless abandon.

    Last pleasant surprise? The bill! It came out to about $60 for the both of us. Will be back again - hopefully the wait isn't too crazy the next time I come!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/14/2015

    Absolutely unreal burger.  Wait was 3.5 hours on a Friday night but solid bar next door was a perfect place to hang.  Get a double and extra thick bacon added on top.

    You'll be full for about 2 days after!

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/10/2015
    2 check-ins

    5 stars for the burger. One of the best burgers, if not THE best burger I've ever had. Order it Au Cheval style and thank me later.

    5 stars for the chilaquiles, only served after midnight.

    3.5- 4 stars for the waiting staff service once you are seated. Typically fairly fast and friendly.

    Nice beer selection, very cool atmosphere and ambience.

    1 star for the host/ hostess service on multiple occasions, and the reason my review is 3 stars instead of 4.5- 5. They will have a long wait out the door no matter how they treat their guests, and they seem to treat their guests when they walk in as if their business does not matter because of this. Not sure if the host staff is trained to act this way, or if we had bad luck or happened to get a couple jerks on a power trip since they've reached the peak of their career as a host at this Chicago establishment. The host staff in my experience has been rude, unreasonably inflexible, unhelpful and provided bad information. I'll spare the details, but wouldn't be writing about it if I had not had a negative experience on more than one occasion for different reasons. They need to get over themselves or someday the food won't be enough to come back and deal with the host staff of an otherwise 5 star restaurant. I don't think I've ever complained about the host staff in any other review, but the staff I've encountered at Au Cheval warrants it.

    If you read some of the negative to average reviews on Au Cheval, they are all about similar service/ attitude at the restaurant and not the food. I highly suggest that the management should take these seriously and do something to address it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/11/2015

    I've been here for dinner and brunch and Au Cheval never disappoints! You can't go wrong with the foie gras and scrambled eggs to start off your day. The foie is very creamy and cooked perfectly and strangely enough it tastes amazing with eggs. If you are still craving more, then get an order of the crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy. Deliciousness! Cocktails are very much on point. Bloody Mary's is made with Tito's vodka and goes down very smooth :)! For dinner, try the honey fried chicken with chili! It has the right amount of spiciness and sweetness. Enjoy!

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/15/2015

    The 90 min wait was well worth it! Very friendly staff, an even friendlier bartender and food that blew my mind! The smoked bacon and the Bloody Mary deserve ten stars each!

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/11/2015
    2 check-ins

    The only bad thing is that the burger here is so good that you may have to wait for a table... But the burger!  oh em yum!

    Such a great spot! If you are visiting or have friends in town, this spot is surely to impress!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/7/2015

    5 stars for service, for pickles and for burgers.  The server was wonderful.  The hostess and the runners never once had a smile even though we sat at the small round table that they had to walk by to serve every other patron, so there was a lot of eye contact and no smiles... The side of pickles was ginormous and delicious.  And my husband ordered the double cheeseburger, which was almost too big for him to finish.  It was wonderful!  I had the open faced ham and cheese sandwich which was not really my thing.  Now we know.  The matzoh ball soup was delish and the matzoh was huge and presented amazingly.

  • 1.0 star rating
    5/8/2015

    So I ordered a burger from this spot asked for Bleu cheese on the side. They told me they won't give me Bleu cheese because it doesn't taste good with their burgers. I don't understand that if that's what the customer wants then give it to them, how hard is that?  Very disappointed in this restaurants service.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 4.0 star rating
    7/19/2015

    We got to Au Cheval at 4:30 and put in our names for 8 people and waited 2.5 hours. When we got to the door, it was a 4 hour wait for a party of 4, insane! But we hung out at another bar while we waited, and they called us when they were ready - so not a bad way to wait at all. We got the fried chicken to share - hot but delicious - and then I tried the single burger with fries. The single burger is actually 2 patties, and I got it with bacon. It was really good! The sauce on it was fresh and complimented the bacon well. I did find the burger and fries a bit over salted for me, which is why I can't give them 5 stars, but overall the meal was delicious. I got the Daiquiri and the flavor was unique and yummy. Food Network gave this place a rating of the best burger in the country - but I would argue otherwise. However, I did enjoy my meal and would come again. One FYI - its all small tables, so if you come with a party bigger than 4 people, you will be split up.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/3/2014
    1 check-in

    I have a rule about writing Yelp reviews: only review this visit. I've been Au Cheval before and I had a much better time and I enjoyed my food much more (definitely a four-star experience), but I honestly didn't really like what I had last night, hence the three stars.

    I ordered the crispy potato hash with a fried egg and duck heart gravy, and the hash itself was perfect - super crunchy, oily but not in an overwhelming way. The gravy, however, was literally among the saltiest things that I've ever eaten. I realize that duck (and duck heart specifically) are pretty salty, but I actually ended up eating all of the hash with about a third of the gravy, and I still thought it was too salty. (For reference, I've also had the cheeseburger, bacon and fish, and they were all better than this.... but I did not eat them on this trip.)

    The service was okay. I think (as I always think when I see others around me getting better service) that I would have gotten better service had I ordered a drink, but as it was it was a bit of a struggle to get someone to pay attention to me.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/10/2015

    2 hour wait for 5 at 7PM on a Tuesday seemed excessive but the food was that good that it was 100% worth it. Best burger I have ever had bar none definitely get it with an egg and the dijonnaise they put on it is fantastic - honestly it is the perfect griddle burger.

    Other food was also fantastic, the chicken liver, General Jane's chicken wings, bratwurst and fries (garlic aioli was incredible). They do a great pickleback shot here as well.

    I'd come back every week for the burger it is honestly that good, just wish they took reservations

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/29/2015

    Great music, hip decoration, fantastic food! I also like the mixed drinks here but in general, when I get to Au Cheval, I cannot make it past beyond that amazing burger, fries with the fried egg, and an ice cold beer!

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/2/2014

    Came to Au Cheval during my time in Chicago for the best burger in town!

    We waited a long time in very cramped quarters since it was raining outside, got some attitude from the front end while waiting, and I got beer on tap spilled on me by a bartender (the spill unfortunately downgraded my rating since it took her about 10 minutes to actually realize she spilled all over, and didn't really apologize but blamed it on the tap)

    But, the terrible wait was worth the burger, which was juicy and served on a delicious bun. A SINGLE cheeseburger comes with TWO patties so be aware before you order! It was a bit pricy but filling and worth the price. Great pairing to one of their many beer choices. You have the option of adding an egg or bacon to your burger as well.
    Fries with the Garlic Aioli and Mornay Sauce was delicious! The egg was a little much along with the sauce and didn't really mesh well but the sauces were great.

    Overall, so-so service but juicy burger and worth a try if you are willing to wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/12/2015

    Au Cheval has been on my list of restaurants I've wanted to try for ages. Finally got a chance to go for brunch. Knew it would be busy so arrived right away at 10am when it opened on a Sunday. Must've been a line, because when we were seated (right at 10 on the dot) 3/4 of the restaurant was already full. I didn't realize how small it was inside, which explains the long wait times a bit more. Of course, tried the cheeseburger w/ an egg on it--was quite tasty (though not sure I would wait multiple hours for it). Also had the french press coffee (enough for a few cups for sure), the hashbrowns (so crispy on the outside--yum), and the traditional breakfast. The eggs were really great (a wetter scrambled egg), and the bacon was delicious. Also, loved that they were okay with having Heinz ketchup on the table. At the the same time, was a little surprised they don't do their own in-house ketchup. At any rate, would try this spot again during a time I could get there right when it opened or when I was willing to wait around for a couple of hours while grabbing a drink or two at the nearby establishments.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/2/2015

    Burger here is truly amazing! Totally worth the long wait.  I usually don't buy into the hypes but once I tried the food here I was sold.  Burgers were juicy and flavorful without all the distracting ingredients to mask the flavor of meat.  French fries were fresh and crispy and their homemade bread and butter pickles were top notch.  Definitely  going back for more.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/31/2014
    2 check-ins

    I've been here twice, and had no issues with being seated immediately. Once Friday around 2pm and the other on Sunday around 5pm. I ordered a burger, or rather the server strongly encouraged a burger as I was an au cheval virgin. The burger was awesome and definitely worth coming back for. On my second trip I was a bit more enthusiastic about venturing out, and on the recommendation of another server, got the fried chicken. As much as people rave about it on yelp, I will no doubt be ordering the burger next time.

    The staff are all awesome, it's a bit tiny on the inside but still intimate enough to where you're not on top of another party or overhearing other peoples conversations. Definitely plan to come back with each one of my friends that hasn't been here yet, just to get my fill.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/26/2015

    Not to sound like another cliché review of Au Cheval, but this burger experience needs to be on eveyone's bucket list!  From the moment I first sank my teeth into the single (actually a double) attoped with thick maple bacon strips, my refined carnavoric taste buds fell in love. The fries were the absolute perfect compliment.  As an app, the messy seasame fried chicken was surprisingly tasty as well, albiet a bit pricy at $17. As reservations are not an option, it may not be a bad idea to camp out the night before as to ensure you get a table once the doors open.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/28/2014

    Foie gras scrambled eggs
    Hash with duck heart gravy
    Fries with mornay sauce (mehh), garlic aioli (mmmmm), and fried farm egg
    Cheeseburger a cheval (we added bacon, you can also add an egg, or BOTH!)

    The above is one of many recipes for deliciousness, near-heart attack, and food coma at Au Cheval.

    Table for 3, please! 45 minute wait for Sunday brunch. Luckily, they take down your digits and text you when your table is ready. We ended up going to the juice bar down the street for a large cup of freshly squeezed OJ to hydrate and detox from the night before.

    The wait ended up being only 30 minutes, hooray!

    Brunch was phenomenal and I felt absolutely disgustingly stuffed. In my opinion, you should share these plates so you can try a bit of everything, but also because the portions here are sooooooo big! You'll probably get tired of whatever you order if you don't share.

    If we could do it again, we'd knock off one of the four items we ordered (can't decide which one). We definitely could have used the help of 1-2 more people.

    I've heard the burger is life changing from my friend's coworker. It was pretty good, but do I feel like my life has changed? Not really, aside from feeling chubbier.

    After brunch, we walked about to my friend's apartment and all of us PASSED OUT on the floor and couch. I kid you not.

    I'm interested in trying the dinner here. Too bad I don't live in Chicago. Oh well, I'll just have to visit again!

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/23/2014

    The Cheval burger is a Big Mac made with quality ingredients.  The dominant taste is the special sauce, American cheese and pickle.  Chicken wings were good but I would order the super salty Asian sauce on the side.  

    Sitting at the bar was an education in why the kitchen is usually in the back of a restaurant.  Copious amounts of salt where tossed by the handful onto everything coming out of the kitchen.  Cooks preparing food wore no gloves and handled everything including garbage and tasted fries while preparing orders.  

    Service was friendly and brisk.  Room is loud and bass is way too high for the actual volume of the music.  We felt like we got hit by a truck after eating lunch here, which seems to be the basic concept, but this is a one and done for us.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/10/2014
    1 check-in

    I'll keep it short and sweet:  try the roasted marrow bones with beef cheek marmalade on thick cut toast points. Sweet and salty compliment each other so well.  It's umami heaven in your mouth.  

    If you've still got room, get a single cheeseburger with thick cut peppered bacon and an egg sunny side up. This might be the best burger you'll ever have in your life.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/12/2015

    First time here and we lucked out that there wasn't a huge line when we got there at about 515pm on a Friday night.  I thank the snow.  We waited less than 20 minutes for a table for 2.  

    I got the cheeseburger with egg and bacon.  I was nervous to get both because other reviewers mentioned it being too much food, but I thought it was amazing and I ate every last bite.  Maybe I'm just a fatty.  

    The fries were fine - nothing special.  My friend got the fondue which looked delicious - and she finished it all, so I gather that was a correct assumption.  

    I really enjoyed the Hemingway Daiquiri, which surprised me because I don't care for grapefruit.  

    Overall, just delicious!

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/27/2015
    1 check-in

    thanks all for warning me about the wait.  we got there at 4:50, put our name down, walked to Grahams for cocktails.  by the time we finished our second cocktail, we were texted.  so about one hour and 20 min.  we walk over and had to wait another 20 minutes for them to clear and set the table.  ordered, honey fried chicken, OMG this was so good.  a brat, the potatoes under it was too decadent to put into words, so good.  we all ordered a version of the burger, some got singles, some doubles, but everyone had the quarter inch bacon, and the egg as well.  this combo somehow melts in your mouth with an explosion of flavor.  its messy, but so worth it.  off my bucket list now....  wish i knew the meats in the burger and the process.  how can they get it that delish? whats the fat/meat ratio? curious.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/29/2014
    2 check-ins

    Au Cheval is hands down my favorite restaurant in Chicago!  I wish I could live above the restaurant and eat here everyday :) The only downside is there will at least be an hour and a half wait, but the wait is so worth it!  Everyone must have the burger and mornay fries at least once in there life or they have not lived.  I once waiting 3 hours because I had to have it!  I recommend putting your name on the list and then going over across the street to Haymarket Brewery and have a few beers while waiting.  Au Cheval will text you when your table is ready.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/7/2015

    Had some great drinks, cocktails and beers are unique, robust, and flavorful. Had the horse neck cocktail - lemon, ginger beer, and rye (if I remember correctly) I would suggest it! Enjoyed the ambiance and comfy seating too. Only down side was the server, had a horrible attitude and came off very aggressive.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/9/2015
    1 check-in

    Hubby and I just had our anniversary lunch here and we loved it!  We both got the single burger with the egg and amazingly huge bacon and it's by far the best burger we've had.  We gave it for stars because the fries we good but not the best.  Hubby says they weren't the freshest but still very good.  Drinks were very good, I had the shake beer (delicious). Hubby got the flapper and he really enjoyed it as well. Overall great experience.  Service was fantastic!  We'll definitely be back :-)

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/10/2014
    2 check-ins

    For folks like me that are addicted to travel and food shows, Au Cheval is a good choice to get your butt of the couch and into a seat at the bar.

    Like everyone has said, it's not a big place, it's a respectable size, but with a large influx of people. Coming in on a Wed night, grabbing a solo seat at the bar was quick. On average, there are 4 people working inside the counter. It's amazing to see the orchestrated moves of the team. I watched chives artfully sprinkled on the fried egg, salt tossed high into a basket of fries. I almost passed out seeing the chef shave apples so quickly on the mandolin! The theater of culinary arts, exciting, isn't it?!? Having the best seat in the house (right in the middle where all the plates are swiped clean and bussed out), I can listen and watch the chaos of manning a lively gastropub. Pure entertainment. Loved it!

    Of course, if you are like most people, 99.9% are interested in the food. Is the best burger here? For me it was incredibly salty. It's tasty for a few bites, but because a single means two thin patties, you get twice the amount of salt than the average burger. There's something about the fat here that is absolutely delicious. Fries are amazing and with the aioli, it's heaven. I noticed above their fridge were individual containers of fries that were prepped. Something about doing that makes the texture of the potato very hardy and crispy. I would recommend splitting these. I was very full and uncomfortable afterwards, but damn, it's so good.

  • 1.0 star rating
    5/30/2015

    Hostess: What do you want?
    Me: I'm meeting some people.
    Hostess: you can look around.

    Server had a similar positive attitude.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/22/2013
    1 check-in

    We stopped by on a Friday night and we were told the wait would be an hour to an hour and a half. The good thing about their long wait is that they text you when your table is ready so we went to Mariano's to kill some time. When we received the text, we have been waiting for an hour and 15 minutes.

    We all ordered the cheeseburger with a fried egg on top and shared the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and a fried farm egg. The fries were really good and the aioli sauce was our favorite. The egg was a unique finish to the fries. For $9, we expected much more. The burger was just okay. The patty is so thin that it was disappointing. A single burger comes with 2 tiny patties and a double comes with 3. For an hour and 15 minute wait, we expected an amazing burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/23/2015

    The best burger in the city, worth the 45 minute wait on a Tuesday for sure. While you wait you can leave and go to a bar in the west loop for a drink and the host/hostess will text you when your table is ready. Once you get in and order it's not a long wait at all for the food.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/4/2014
    2 check-ins

    First, the wait: quoted 45 minutes or so, actual wait was around 15 minutes. Entire party must be present to be seated, but the hosts remain in contact via text. Very smooth process.

    Drinks: didn't try one of the menu cocktails, but sufficiently impressed by the beer offerings. Brews were well-curated & separated by style; two saisons ordered were different enough to justify their inclusion in the list.

    Food: tried the General Jane's chicken and the widely celebrated burger. The former was spot-on - six full pieces of fried chicken tossed in a sweet & spicy sauce. Full of flavor and not *too* much heat, sprinkles of fresh cilantro really helped make this dish.  

    The burger lived up to lofty expectations - two patties (or three in the "double") are flat-top griddled to a perfectly moist medium/medium-rare and nestled into an impossibly light brioche bun.  This is, indeed, the Krispy Kreme of burgers.  Standard toppings include well-melted American cheese, house-made pickles, and a Dijon sauce (mixed with mayo?); do yourself a favor and add a thick (very thick) slice of peppered bacon.

    Service: Quick and friendly - we were treated well and recognized after we visited twice in two days. Our server (same both times) was knowledgeable when it came to both the food menu and the beer list.

    Overall: An elevated diner done well and a standout in a decidedly trendy neighborhood. Would probably make a trip over to Au Cheval whenever I'm in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/6/2013

    The most important thing that I can add to the conversation is this: get here as early as possible, with as few people as possible and be prepared to wait. This place is tiny, doesn't take reservations and is hella popular. Oh and we overheard someone asking for carryout as a solution, but they don't do that either.

    We made it to Au Cheval right in the nick of time around 5:30 on a Friday. We were told that it would be a 30-45 minute wait, but by the time we were finally seated at the bar, it had been about an hour. While we were being seated, a group of 4 people were told the wait was approximately two hours. They said that they'd traveled from out of state just to try it but didn't have time to wait 2 hours. I felt bad for them and cried a mental tear, but I didn't feel bad enough to give up our seats at the bar.

    The bar. Yes, let's discuss that part. I'm from the suburbs where I'm used to having plenty of elbow room. I guess I have to get used to this 'no room to breathe' thing if I'm going to hang in the city at popular places, but dang, I would like to enjoy myself at a nice table where I can sprawl out and have some leg room. The bar was pretty nice though since we got to watch the bartender work his magic and the chefs prepare the food.

    We were just hanging out minding our business when the darkest beer you've ever seen made it's way onto my all-white shirt. I can laugh about it now, but in the moment it was pretty damn tragic. Mainly because, a) I don't wear white very often because I'm a very messy eater, BUT b) It wasn't my fault this time and c) I didn't bring another shirt to change into. Yes, I was destined to hang out all night in a white shirt stained with dark beer. The manager was super nice though and came over right away to apologize and offer to have my shirt cleaned at a dry cleaner. (No need, it came out in the wash.) She handled the situation perfectly and me being one to not let things get the best of me, moved on and waited for my burger.

    Let me preface this by saying, I had the greatest burger in America a few months ago and every burger that I taste is probably never going to live up to that portrait of perfection (Holeman & Finch in Atlanta, look it up) The burger at AC was good. but it was just 'good' for me. I didn't have any orgasms or out of body experiences, but I liked it. The egg was perfectly cooked and oooozed all over my plate. The burger was so meaty and delicious. I would warn to skip the bacon because it's almost $4 and my husband said it tasted better without it.

    The burger doesn't come with fries and the fries are $5.95--but they are big enough for 2-3 people to split. These were some of the greeeeatest fries I've tasted in my life and the garlic aioli that came with it was to die for. I think I would come back solely for these fries & because there were tons of other things that I wanted to try on the menu.

    I'd recommend everyone to come try it because as we all know, no one will ever agree on the greatest burger ever, so just because I didn't have the big O over it, doesn't mean that you won't.

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/22/2015

    My friends have hyped up this place for months and I was extremely excited. I read a ton of awesome reviews and even knew about the wait so I didn't mind that at all. When I got there I decided to order a single cheeseburger - no surprise. They asked if I had any dietary restrictions and I requested no bacon because of religious dietary restrictions. While they were able to accommodate no bacon, they told me they made their burgers and fries in pork fat and were not willing to accommodate for that. The only thing not made in pork fat was a salad and a foie gras dish, which I did not enjoy at all. Even the fries are made in pork fat. I'm really disappointed that I underwent a 3 hour wait and was not able to experience what most people experience at Au Cheval. The waiter was very cold and I feel like, given how common pork restrictions are, should have at least tried to see what accommodations could be made. For anyone who has dietary restrictions like that, don't come here because the staff will not be willing to consider your situation.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/3/2015

    This place seriously has the best burger I've ever had!!!! It was worth every minute of our 2.5 hour wait time (which seems crazy!) but it truly is worth it. Go across the street to HayMarket for drinks while you wait:)
    The restaurant is small and has a diner feel, the chefs are awesome and will answer any questions you have a it the menu. We got burgers with a side of egg fries (amazing). And go all out with the burgers and get the fried egg and bacon, you will not regret it!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/17/2015
    Listed in Illinois!

    The burger is delicious. The fries are beyond delicious. The beer selection is hearty and incredible. The pickle shot is a nice palate cleanser. But...it's incredibly cramped and loud.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/8/2015
    1 check-in

    My trip to Chicago was complete after going to Au Cheval! My friends and I were craving a great burger so we decided to come here. We were so worried that we wouldn't be able to get seats since we arrived at 2:00 PM and the kitchen closes from 3-5 (duh who doesn't know that!) We were seated in about 45 minutes (got coffee at little goat). The place is small especially for such a busy restaurant but the staff was extremely nice and the food was amazing. THAT BURGER&BACON  I dream about that perfect burger and the fries with aioli sauce. It's pretty big burger tho so be prepared to feast! Taking a star off just because of how ridiculous the wait is. But it's totally worth it and I'll go back even in the polar vortex weather.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/28/2015
    1 check-in

    Great place to go if you have a hangover or a long layover, as I did. Had the General Jane fried chicken, hash browns and cheeseburger (shared between friends). The hash browns and chicken were delicious. The burger was cooked to medium perfection, but the cheese had a Kraft singles taste that I was not fond of. Would totes go again.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/17/2014

    Best burger I've ever had. I was skeptical of this place and its notorious long wait times, but damn was it amazing. I went here on a Sunday night at 830. As I walked in some guy was walking out saying "screw this place, I'd rather burn it down than wait that long"....... I prepared myself for a 3 hour wait time. To my surprise I walked in, and was seated at the counter right away. All I can say is it pays to eat alone sometime!! I ended up going with the single cheese burger with bacon and foie gras on it. Damn was it delicious. Literally the best burger I've ever had. didn't need ketchup or anything! I also grew up on fried bologna and cheeses, so I couldn't pass that up. The house made bologna was absolutely delicious. I left so full, but this was an absolutely phenomenal meal. I will definitely be back when in Chicago.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/4/2015

    Hands down best burger. This is my favorite spot to bring friends and out of town guests.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/17/2014

    - First impression is, it's really dark
    - Second impression, it's really great
    - We got the vanilla custard and flay bread dessert, it's french and I forgot the name..it was tremendous. It is a must have, to close the meal
    - They have root berr. I haven't had a root beer in 15 years
    - If I wasn't so full off dessert...I definitely would have gotten the root beer float. How could one not?

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/27/2015

    Au Cheval is a great place. I went here for lunch. I got a burger and it was really great. Service was great, love the location, and food was on point. Prices were decent for what we got. My only is complaint is that I don't feel we got a lot of food for our money. For example, a burger comes just a burger, nothing else. It's almost like small plates. If you are going here id just make sure to ask and order based on how hungry you are.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/25/2015

    Yummy. I love so many things here, but most of all the Chilaquiles for brunch or late night snack. Love the dark and cozy vibe as well. Other notable menu items are the Rootbeer Float, General Jane's Honey Fried Chicken, and Crispy fries with eggs. Cocktails are quite good as well!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/15/2015
    1 check-in

    When you're in the mood for a solid cheeseburger this is the place to go but be prepared to wait. The kitchen closes between 3-5pm so I arrived a little before 5 and the wait was already an hour on a Sunday. But if you have time to wait, it's well worth it. Be sure to order a cheeseburger and add an egg and bacon. You won't be disappointed.

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/15/2015

    Tiny.
    Lively.
    Burger was above average, but didn't live up to the "best in Chicago" hype I'd heard and was expecting.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/11/2015
    1 check-in

    My brother is a Chef. He heard (from other Chef's) that this place had the best burgers in the country. I don't know if I'd go that far, but the burger was fantastic, tons of beer options, and well priced. The issue is that I was a single and got a quick spot at the bar but on a Friday night at 6ish when I left, I heard it was a 4 hour wait. I really enjoyed my meal but I'd never wait 4 hours. Believe you can make a reservation.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/13/2014

    I was told to go here for the best burger ever and wow did it deliver! We easily found Au Cheval and were told it would be a two hour wait. We did a few other things around the neighborhood killing time waiting for them to text us. They seemed to have the system down very well.

    We got in two seats at the bar right in front of the grills which was a little warm and very bustling. We didn't mind and it was interesting to watch the cooking. We ordered the double burger (actually a triple) with bacon but left out the sunny side up egg and got an order of the French fries. Very quickly our food was delivered. I have had a lot of burgers in my life but this one was incredible! Stupendous... spectacular... mind blowing! The fries are fried in pork fat so you can only imagine the taste. They are served with a garlic dipping sauce. Anyone who would ever think of putting ketchup on the food here should have their head examined.

    The prices are moderate and the wait is long but the food is so worth it. They have a large selection of beers on tap and the service was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The entire place was clean and nice. I cannot recommend Au Cheval highly enough.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/26/2015

    I love Au Cheval. I've been going here for the past 3 years, bringing everyone who visits Chicago to this place for an amazing burger and dining experience. My last few visits though have been utterly disappointing. Au Cheval is hip, trendy, unapologetically bold, and delicious. With that though, it has never been sloppy or forgotten what has made it so popular - the people. Until now that is. I wasn't going to say anything but this is an increasing trend, the staff is getting less attentive, less welcoming, and making the place less of a destination experience. Still a great burger, no longer great service.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/21/2015

    Perfection in a burger , fries and mashed potatoes. Worth the wait and hard to park locale.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/13/2015
    1 check-in

    Judging on food alone, this place is fantastic: great tasting food at good prices. Some specifics: the burger is a must if it's your first time (2nd only to Owen and Engine), fried chicken is #2, I'd probably skip the bone marrow

    Why 3 stars? The wait time (no reservations, no calling ahead) is always so ridiculous it's as if the restaurant is deliberately making you come and waste two hours standing outside because just because they can - I find myself often wanting to come back but don't want to have to plan a whole evening around it, food shouldn't have to be this hard.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    1/11/2014
    1 check-in
    Listed in The Windy City

    After hearing raving reviews from a true Chicago foodie, I was brought here for dinner and left feeling very full but also very fat. I'm surprised I didn't have a minor heart attack after everything I ate but it would have been worth it since everything was SO good.

    Au Cheval is known for their burger. Their single cheeseburger has double patties already just FYI. I added a fried egg. It was delicious but I had to cut it in half and eat it slowly since it was huge and quite heavy but it was delicious. Recommended.

    We shared the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli with a fried egg on top and it was an amazing combo. Recommended.

    My favorite was the roasted bone marrow. But not even the bone marrow... The side of beef cheek marmalade and thick toast was to die for!! SOOOO GOOD. I've never had such tasty marmalade before, I could eat that with toast for DAYS. The waiter kept trying to take the plate away when I wasn't done with the marmalade yet and I kept getting upset lol. Highly recommended.

    By some miracle, we still had room for dessert so we got the Black Dog ice cream trio and even the plain vanilla and chocolate flavors were so good but the peppermint stole the show. It tasted like a candy cane!

    Service was friendly and quick and we didn't have to wait too long to get a seat without a reservation. I can't wait to come back, there's a couple other things I want to try! Would definitely add this to your list of Chicago eats. Thanks so much LC!!

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/11/2015 Updated review

    After returning to try their staple, the burger, I stand by my 3 star review. The burger was solid, but didn't blow me away.  I also tried the fried chicken which isn't fried chicken in the way more of us are used to.  It was very flavorful but also overdressed.  There was a huge puddle of sauce in the bottom of the dish.  I would classify as more of like a buffalo wing type of preparation as the crispy skin is covered in the awesome tasting sauce.  Service was sort of below par, as I do recall it was last time as well.  However the chefs do not disappoint as they are very friendly as well as putting on a little show for the patrons.  I enjoy it most for this but I prefer the food at Maudes or Bavettes.

    3.0 star rating
    8/22/2012 Previous review
    I have to say I was sort of disappointed here only because a server at Purple Pig (which is the best… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    5/19/2015

    The wait often is brutal but there's just something about that delicious cheeseburger! I would encourage to go early, no matter if you're in the mood for a burger at 10 am or not. By the time you get in and get your burger you'll be ready to eat. Also, The root beer is delicious and thus the root beer float is magical!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/26/2014
    1 check-in

    High expectations for this place.  The burger pictures from other reviews looked so good.  I was in the mood for a great burger and beer.

    5:20pm on a Friday evening, I was told the wait was 35 - 45 minutes for two of us.  No problem, I'll have a great beer while I wait.  Strangely, they seat the bar and the only place to wait is the little nook at the end of the bar, the waiting pen.  I'm not sure how I feel about that.  I mean, it does make more space available for diners but it was a little off-putting at first.  Luckily a server was by to get a drink order and she tied it to my name on the waiting list so there was no messing with transferring the check or closing out.  Nice.

    The beer selection was great.  They have a great layout on the beer menu, splitting the beers by style.  I went for the Harviestoun Old Engine Oil and later, the Allagash Black.  Both great and lots more "Rich" beers to try in the future.

    Our wait was less than 15 minutes in fact.  Awesome.

    We sat and our enterprising server, Maggie, immediately steered us towards the 32oz pork porterhouse.  She said they usually only have one for the night but tonight, they had two.  Hmmm.  Fine.  Let's do it.

    We split the porterhouse and ended up ordering two sides of Smashed Potatoes... one was nowhere near enough.

    Yeah, it was pretty tasty.  It wasn't perfect but it was damn good.  The thing comes standing on its end and you butcher/carve your way through it.  The tenderloin side was medium rare and very tender and flavorful.  The strip side was medium to medium-well and was still tasty but maybe slightly overdone.  There was a pleasant rosemary seasoning and the apples and sauce on the side was a perfect complement.  The dish included a smattering of foie gras chunks.  By the description, I expected something else.  The foie gras was just kind of scattered in with the apple pieces.  I expected a more prominent role for it.  But hey, it's foie gras.  It was still plenty tasty and I was motivated to pick out the pieces.  I hope I didn't miss any.

    Service was good, the staff was cordial and we drank many beers after we ate.  If I had to do it over again, I would go somewhere else for beer after the food.  At $10/pop, the bill ended up being much larger than I was expecting.  Still, a great experience overall and I hope I have the chance to make it back before long to try the burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/18/2015

    This place deserves all the hype. All of it. At one point I came here every week! The food is worth the price. You're getting some quality and tasty stuff in this place. The bacon oh my, order it with everything. It's like candy! And the chicken dinner , my my my. Might be some of the best chicken I've had in quite some time. I really do just want to try everything on the menu. I will !

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/6/2014

    I've been meaning to come here for awhile as they're supposed to have the best burger in town. A few of my friends have described it as "life changing" and me as a burger fanatic and snob had to eventually try it. The times I've tried to come here had a two hour wait, and since I don't like to wait that long for most food, I opted out.

    This time around, my friends and I got there before 5pm and had no wait. The inside is nice and kind of standard for a Sodikoff restaurant. Of course I had to order the cheeseburger, which is actually 2 4-oz patties along with the cheese and a great bun. Most of my friends ordered the exact same thing, though one of my friends got the fries. I have to say, the fries with the dipping sauce are the best I've ever had anywhere in the world. They're amazing and I don't even like most peoples' fries (and I try to eat pretty healthy) but i'd eat these all day if I could.

    The burger itself was juicy, the bun was great, the cheese great and the egg I got on top was full of runny goodness. The only problem I had with the burger was the uniformity of flavor. Some bites were really, really good. Like one of the best burgers i've ever had good (though not the best still). Other bites were average and a normal slightly above cheeseburger good. My friends also got the bacon on their burgers, which is not your standard supermarket bacon. This is thick slab that probably came from some farm nearby and full of flavor.

    After I was done polishing off the burger, I somehow managed to fit in a bowl of Matzo Ball soup. If you're used to the kinds where you get three medium sized balls, then you're going to be out of your element. This is a big bowl with one giant matzo ball in the middle. It's a hearty soup full of more dill than usual (is that why Sodikoff named his former Jewish Deli "Dillman's?") and big chunks of hearty onions and carrots. It seriously tastes like something that would come out of your Jewish grandmother's kitchen.

    All in all, it was a good experience with decent service. I'm not sure I'd wait for two hours for the burger but then again, I wouldn't wait two hours for almost any food in the entire world. The place is definitely not a healthy option, but if you can cheat a little on that or don't eat healthy anyway, then definitely go here and try the food.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/23/2015

    Had a really good experience here. Had the burger with bacon and fried egg which was well seasoned and just great all around. Likes the atmosphere and the music. Great place

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    Sweet Mother Of Burgers..!  Excellent..!  The multi-patty with the bacon and fried egg is spectacular..!  The fries are just as incredible..!  We also tried the home-made hot bologna sandwich and that was also superb..!  Service is smart and crisp but the wait time can get bad.  Regardless, for me and my husband, we're hooked..!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/1/2014
    5 check-ins

    Au Cheval all I can say is " oolala" the atmosphere is very hipsterish, and hey we know hipsters know how to get good food so we roll with it. I found the place to look very romantic but casual lay back at the same time, strange right? But that's how I felt about the place. You can look around and see friends having a good time, and  couples on a date. I wouldn't bring my kids here because it doesn't fit the atmosphere.  It's a the great escape from day to day hustle and bustle of life. Some times when you go there is about 30-50 minute wait. It is a popular place. It's a long wait for off the chain food! They have an open bar kitchen set up and you can see the chef's and cooks work in harmony. It's a beautiful thing to observe because as a diner it sets you at ease with the restaurant.

    We ordered the $14.95 single burger it's actually $10.95 but we added thick cut bacon and a fried egg on top, and we went for the crispy fries with mornray and Aioli sauce it was sexy. The burger looked sexy and the crispy fries with the two dipping sauces were off the hook! I would totally go back there because the food is worth every penny. I wouldn't go there often I would make it a special date night for me and my husband I would go back with a friend to show them what an amazing burger should taste like. We split the burger because it was too much for us to eat just one burger each. I'm glad we did that made our stomach feel less painful and our minds would be less guilty consuming all those fatty calories.

    Au Cheval is where it's at their burgers are bette than Kuma's corner in my opinion. I highly recommend going there if you haven't done it yet.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/2/2013

    OMG I DID IT. I finally went to Au Cheval, after walking by so many times and two sadly unsuccessful attempts. They are TINY, and there is almost always a wait...

    The wait at around 11:30pm was quoted to be 30 minutes, but we were offered counter seats after probably 15 min but waited for a table. Last time, we were quoted 50 and put our names down but decided to leave after 15 or so and was texted back that we had seats at 25 minutes - so I'd say it's worth taking your chances even if the quoted time is higher than you'd like.

    They shut down the full kitchen probably around midnight because when we sat down we were told that soon all that would be available are burgers and drinks.

    The espresso machine was shut by then too, so the only coffee option they had was a $7 (!!) french press. I guess that's where their "diner" concept comes in, because at the end of the day it tasted a bit like diner coffee...

    So we ordered chicken liver appetizer just before the kitchen closed. It looked a bit like cat food (sorry), and we weren't even hungry since this was second dinner, but the first bite was... perfect. PERFECT balance of saltiness, creamy liver and complementary dill on perfectly toasted bread. Then take a bite of pickle to cut that richness. My mom used to make me eat completely dry grainy overcooked chicken liver because it was good for me. This changes everything! This dish is a MUST. TRY.

    The burger. I wish I read reviews because the waitress didn't even warn us that a double is a triple -.-; It's funny that they give you a steak knife because this burger can totally be a knife-and-forker. But think before you act, because if you pick it up wrong with your hands the first time, you've ruined all hopes of eating it without getting a huge mess, and by then it's too late to go to knife+fork :( It was damn good though, at least the bites that comprise of all the components. Hits the spot.

    The side of fries ($6 for a huge serving) comes with the most amazing garlic aioli I've ever had, unique for having an extra hit of acidity and super pronounced garlic flavor. There's nothing like it.

    Lastly, the tiny overhead lighting provided for each table... It's so dark in there, but the small light makes all the difference while you're sitting right below it but doesn't take away from their overall desired ambiance. Brilliant! It so helps to be able to see the color of your food...

    Seems like they are very consistent at delivering all their hits. For an elevated diner/pub concept, skip Little Goat and come here instead. Worth the wait. Lives up to the hype. But don't bother with the coffee.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/21/2015

    Amazing food! The only complaint I have is the long wait.

  • 1.0 star rating
    11/2/2014

    I had a really bad experience here. We waited 45 minutes for a table and I was treated very poorly by a waitress while waiting. I asked if they had any beer in bottles and she replied "we're not that kind of place!" In a very rude tone.

    The fries are great. The bathroom was dark, dirty and scary. The ambiance is cute, but the staff is very pretentious and alienating. Drinks are overpriced.

    I had heard that Au Cheval served "the best burgers in Chicago" and got nothing that was even close to being a "best burger." Do not order the side of pickles, gross and waste of money. The burger are enormous, but size does not equal quality. If you order a single you get two patties. If you order bacon you get the thickest slices of bacon that I've seen, but this is just a super size average burger. Unless you are the type of person that is into slopping large amount of food down their throat and don't really care about taste, you should avoid this place.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/28/2013

    Au Cheval is not like your typical diner, but offers a higher class ambiance with their dim lights, oversized booths, and exposed wooden and brick panels.  They even offer a full bar for you alcoholics.  I came here with two of my friends one night.  You can say we were lucky because we got the last open table.  Score!  No wait.    

    We've heard many great things about their upscale spin on diner food.  So we ordered an array of items to share:

    Crispy Fries with Mornay Sauce, Garlic Aioli, and Fried Farm Egg: we called these the fat fries.  The fries were really crispy, but the mornay sauce, aioli, and egg gave it a nice creamy and gooey texture.

    Thick Cut Peppered Bacon: I'm not much of a bacon lover, but this bacon is like no other bacon I have ever tasted.  It's definitely a thicker type of bacon with a higher meat to fat ratio, but still really tender.  But warning, if you aren't a fan of pepper I would pass on these.  It is really peppery.  

    Single Cheeseburger: when people say this is the best burger offered from any diner, they were not lying.  Everything about this burger was perfection.  The meat was cooked at a medium rare which left the patty really juicy, the egg was still runny so it goo all over the patty flawlessly, and the bun was butter just right that it tied everything together.  If this doesn't make you order the burger, I don't know how else to persuade you.

    Toasted Open-Faced Ham & Cheese Fondue w/ a Fried Egg:  this was also another delicious dish.  This is a play on ham and cheese sandwich.  It's a gooey and creamy goodness in a plate.  Put as little or as much as you want on the toasted bread.  It can get a little salty though if you run out of bread.

    Fried House-Made Bologna Sandwich:  probably my least favorite dish out of the bunch, but it wasn't bad.  I'm just not a huge fan of bologna.  It was kind of overly salty for my liking and nothing made this sandwich stand out from other diners' sandwiches.

    If you're in the mood for some diner food but don't want the typical diner food, go check this place out.  The service here was ok, could have been a little better.  But eh, the food compensated for it.  I would probably hit this place up again, even if there was a wait time (it's just ever so sweeter when there isn't.)

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/11/2014

    I love this place!  I always have great drinks and a delicious meal!  In the past, I've only had one complaint: the wait.  This place is a cult favorite so I am used to expecting it.  After this weekend, I also want to talk about the chiliquiles!  They were AMAZING!  I know everyone goes for the burger, but it's definitely worth going after midnight for this delicious snack that could easily feed four!

  • 1.0 star rating
    4/14/2014
    1 check-in

    Service from barmaids was very poor. Food and drinks are good. Open late.

    Sure they have a fine burger. Nothing to make it a cornerstone to the place. Over hyped and thus disappointing. I can't believe all the ravings in other reviews about the burger but I can name several places in Cincinnati that can out burger this place any day of the week.

    Loud proud, good location, there isn't much else to chose from later in the night and thus this can be your best choice at the right time of day.

    If the service wasn't a pain on each of my visits I would have given it three stars but when service shows me a bad face more than once I have to report it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/26/2014
    1 check-in

    Came in on a Tuesday night at midnight and got their late-late-late meal menu. Myself and two friends practically ordered everything on that late menu but I only had the Chillaquiles chips and their eggs + fries. The chillaquiles chips were B O M B! The chips were fried, fresh and crunchy. It was topped with jalepenos, fresh guac, sour cream, cilantro, cheese, and some other sweet garnishes. I absolutely loved it. The eggs + fries however was not that great. a bit too sour while the chillaquiles chips were sweet.

    My friends both got single cheeseburger with the syrup honey bacon add on. One loved the burger, the other said it was too sour/tangy.

    After that we finished it off with the gelato, and O M G! yes yes yes!! so delicious. They purchase it directly from a Gelato shop in Chicago. they offer three flavors, mint peppermint, seasalt caramel and a chocolate one. we got the sea salt caramel and chocolate.

    I would definitely recommend this spot. Cant wait to try the spot during its regular menu.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/7/2014

    Not much more needs to be said about Au Cheval. I certainly don't think I'll be mentioning anything new. But when my world is rocked, I feel compelled to share.

    Most importantly - I find Au Cheval's burger to be transcendent. Sure, sure, most of the reviews say that. And you, like myself before the Au Cheval experience, are probably thinking: "It's a burger. I've had tons. How much better can it get?" There's another level, and it's at Au Cheval.

    Before Au Cheval, I thought that there were essentially three classes of burger. The top 20%, which are great, but relatively indistinguishable at that level. The middle 70%, which are pleasing but nothing to write home about. Then the bottom 10%, which are an insult to burgers and have made a disastrous mistake.

    Then I went to Au Cheval, and I found a new tier. The Au Cheval, the one percent. And the beautiful thing is, they don't do anything dramatic or different. The single is two, fairly thin patties, covered with cheese, and a thick slab of bacon (do it). The patties themselves are fantastic - the meat is well seasoned, and has a very powerful and rich umami flavor. The bacon is phenomenal, though at this thickness, its basically pork belly. The ingredients, while all very burger typical, are perfectly executed and balanced.

    Everything else about Au Cheval is great as well. The diner vibe, the bloody mary, the horse's neck, the old fashioned, the bone marrow, the chilaquiles - all of it tremendous. But that burger is all I need.

    (Apologies for the high expectations. I'm a big fan of setting expectations low and being overwhelmed. So I changed my mind. The burgers suck.)

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/10/2014
    2 check-ins

    Been meaning to try this place for quite some time. Located in the West Loop, its near other cool restaurants along the Randolph street strip. From the outside, the restaurant looks pretty unassuming with tinted windows, where you can't see much of outside at all.

    We came here on a semi-warm spring day -- mid 70s. Although it seems like they have AC, they opted to just have the front door open. Inside, its an open kitchen setup, where on the right side was the kitchen and counter tops, and the right side and back were the dining area. The place isn't that big... I guess it fits about 40 people or so.

    Anywho, the menu totes a lot of breakfast items. Going there for lunch, I didn't want anything that was breakfast, so I ordered the cheeseburger. And oh my, was it a mighty fine ass burger. You have the option of bacon or an egg and I opted for the egg. The burger was big enough to split in half and have it as a second meal/snack, or you can go balls to the wall like my coworkers did and gorge and waddle your way back to the office. We also ordered some fries to share and it had the right amount of crisp to it. It came with garlic aioli which was a perfect dipping sauce.

    Overall, great food, small venue, so come here early or expect to wait.

    BATHROOM REVIEW: Bathrooms located near the back, it is a one-stall Mens bathroom. It had a latch lock where every mofo has touched, so that was a little gross, but I rather lock the door then have a dude walk in on me with ma pants down. Inside, it is rather spacious, with one toilet and a long sink. Bathroom was relatively clean. Sit or squat? Oooh, thats a tough one, but I'll go with squat.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/2/2015

    A lot of hype about this place and it's fair that there is.

    Went here on a Saturday at 1, naturally there was a wait so we put our names in and gave her my number so she could text me when the table is ready.   Went next door to grab a beer while we waited.  By 130, we were seated.  

    We were seated at the bar which was a cool experience watching the cooks work like a well oiled machine.  Server was great and very friendly.  We already knew what we wanted to order.  Obviously the burger and the foie gras and eggs.  Husband was disappointed that the fried chicken was not on the menu for lunch, he was very much looking forward to it.  

    I can't say much that hasn't been said before.  The burger is extraordinary.  I am a girl who loves her burgers and have had my share.  It's excellent.   The foie gras and eggs if VERY rich but so delicious.  Perfectly cooked eggs and a wonderful sauce with perfectly cooked foie gras.  What's not to love??  Ordered a bloody and it was a really good bloody not with all the ridiculous accompaniments that you see these days.  Just a good old fashioned bloody.  

    I will definitely be back!

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/10/2014
    1 check-in

    Agh. I know I'm going to get a lot of heat for giving Au Cheval 3 stars, but to me, it was average.

    Tuesday night and the wait for two was an hour. There are so many good places to eat in Chicago, so that is just ridiculous to me. It's such a small restaurant with limited seating so definitely plan ahead.

    The honey fried chicken (~$18 & 5/5) - oh my god were these good. An enormous platter of chicken (easily feeds two) smothered in a sweet glaze. It is perfectly fried and immediately coated with the honey glaze that it keeps its crispness til the end. Yummmmmmmmm. Seriously, every bite was delicious.

    Hash browns with duck gravy (1/5) - I'm not sure what prompted us to order such a thing but we barely touched it. Hash browns with duck sausage smothered in duck gravy. It didn't have the most flavor as every bite was overpowered with the not so fun melt in your mouth fat, very overwhelming as it coats your entire mouth. It was just not for us.

    Fries - they're a side of fries for $6. Comes with some garlic aioli on the side which neither of us were biggest fans of.

    Two vodka sodas, fries, and two entrees ran about $60 which wasn't bad. Service is really friendly and the kitchen is quick. The open kitchen concept is pretty cool too. Glad I experienced it, won't be back any time soon.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/18/2015

    A great burger. Great beer selection. Service was great. Thanks Dan for making a great time at the bar. Only down size is the wait time. Can take hours to sit down. You can wait and have a good time and atmosphere with great people and music. Will return.

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/18/2015

    This review (about 2 months late) is for poor service on the part of a waitress who I'm hoping was on her period the Sunday afternoon my niece and I had brunch there. After we copped a seat in the first come first served bar area, this chic seated us finally acknowledged us, gave us menus and then proceeded to wait on 3 guests before us, all of whom were seated after she gave us menus. She was visibly pissed that I motioned to her, and became even more pissed when I asked her if she forgot about us (to which she replied: "What would you like to order?", to which I replied: "Is there a reason why 3 tables were seated and waited on 15 minutes before I motioned for service?", to which she replied, after rolling her eyes at me: "It's a really busy place,", to which I replied: "I know it's busy because I come here often, but why did you wait on 3 tables before us?", to which she replied with a long, cold stare before saying: "What would you like to order?", to which I replied: "I need to speak to your manager.", to which she rolled her eyes and stormed off.

    A manager came over, who was super nice but unfortunately apologetic for her horrible behavior. I proceeded to ask him the same questions I asked her. After he realized he couldn't use the "we're really busy" line on me, he quickly apologized, which as a customer, that's really all I wanted from the evil-bleeding waitress who overlooked us in the first place.

    After trying to decide if I wanted to stay, I realized this was their Strike 2; Strike 1 is the stable of rude and cocky hostesses with the power of the pen who use their power to rule the world by determining who gets in and how long people wait, but I can usually dismiss them because it must be hard to be nice to a cattle of Hipsters while waiting on the next reality tv auditions to roll through Chicago. Then I looked around and thought maybe that idiot was discriminating against us because we were the only people of "noticeable" color in the place, but I thought, if someone is racist in 2015, I only feel pity for them, besides, thousands of Black people lost their lives fighting for my dumb ass to wait over an hour to overpay for a burger, but that's my choice because "dat burger is gud" [ebonics intended].

    Nevertheless, I am giving them one more chance, especially given that everything else that's great anout the place should not be blamed for my P.M.S.ing waitress. I pass the restaurant everyday, wanting a burger, yet not feeling the people who are waiting in line BEFORE the place opens. I think that's part of their brand, but I can't be that person (I've mastered a plan to never wait more than 30 minutes). I'm still on my hiatus, more than anything because I have spent thousands of dollars on food up and down Randolph street and NEVER received poor service (even attitudes) from any of the other restaurants, from Girl and the Goat/Little Goat to G.E.Bistro to City Winery to Belly Q. And more importantly, when they do make missteps, they acknowledge them and apologize. So if there is one thing I would recommend to Au Cheval, use this as a training moment and do not disregard this review as being written by a crazy person, because I love your place (and the ambience and music even more). Besides, I'm sure I will give the hostess a fake name when I return to avoid the backlash. And one last thing, people should know that everything is fried in Pork fat, which I love, but my Muslim friends do not :-) :-(

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/11/2014
    2 check-ins

    Best. Burger. Ever.

    I've been here a few times now and each time I love it a little bit more.  There is almost certain to always be a wait, but the host/hostess will take your cell number and text you when your table is almost ready.  Go grab a quick drink nearby while you wait.  Sitting at the bar is very entertaining as you can watch the chefs cook a number of different dishes.  I now feel that I have to go back and try one of everything, but it will be hard to ever veer away from that burger again.  I tried the fried bologna sandwich once because I heard it was good.  It wasn't bad, but I was kicking myself as I watched the rest of the table devour their burgers.  The fries are also a must!  They don't come with the burger which requires a side order, but one order is enough for two people to split and they are amazing!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/9/2015

    Came here with a group of friends on a Saturday night. We were told the wait was four hours, but it was actually half that. Don't let the "wait time" discourage you. Seriously, stay.

    What we ordered:
    -burgers with bacon and fried egg: Everyone at my table got it except for me. I sampled some of the girlfriend's burger and it was great. GET THE BACON AND FRIED EGG.

    -bone marrow, beef cheek marmalade, and toast: I ordered this to check out their take on bone marrow, which I'm used to eating in noodle soups. The amount of marrow was decent, but the flavour was meh since the marmalade overpowered it. The marmalade was a great combination of sweet and savoury. And the toast they serve? Garlic toast, aww yeah.

    -thick cut bacon: Now, you might think the price is a bit steep but how often are you going to have life changing bacon? The taste and texture reminded me of samgyupsal and pancetta. I can dig a good pork belly.

    -fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and a fried egg: fried egg on anything is good. The sauce was nice and creamy (cheese based?) and the garlic aioli was good. Definitely tasted the garlic. I really liked the overall marriage of the flavours.

    Oh yeah, I guess the ambiance was nice and all. Two candles per table, so it was rather dark. Pretty crowded too, for obvious reasons.

    Bacon.

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/1/2014

    Sat at the bar, and i noticed the cooks NEVER wash their hands after touching raw meat.  They then touch buns/fries and other cooked items with RAW meat on their hands.

    I went to the Website to City of Chicago Food Inspections!!  They are marked a HIGH Risk and the food inspectors noticed the same thing - improper handling of food!  

    data.cityofchicago.org/H…

    While this place is good - this place is a health risk!!  AVOID

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/18/2014
    1 check-in

    I have been wanting to get out to Au Cheval for such a long time but whenever I am in the area it is absolutely packed. As fate would have it, I was in the area late on a weekday night and saw that there was no line (a first!). I had imbibed more than my fair share of drinks at the previous event I had been attending so I knew food was essential to start the next morning off right. With Au Cheval presenting itself so perfectly how could I say no?

    We went inside and were seated immediately at a table for two. Despite it being close to midnight, the place was still jam packed. We were just lucky to arrive as another couple was leaving. We sat down and immediately knew what we wanted off the menu: double cheeseburger (no pickles) and fries with garlic aioli. My friend also got a bloody mary (she had even more drinks than me and was ready to keep going).

    The bloody came out first and was super spicy. The beer on the side was nothing great (she actually said she didn't like it and had expected to be able to choose her own beer). Up next were the fries. When I say these were some of the best fries of my life I may simply believe this because I was drunk. Then again, I don't think so because they had a perfect crisp and flavor with absolutely nothing on them. Add on the garlic aioli and you are literally in heaven.

    Finally, the double cheeseburger arrived. When I say this was a monster, I have to say it was a real monster. I know the menu said double but it actually three patties on it. A delicious horseradish sauce and plenty of cheese made this the perfect way to end an amazing night of food, fun, and drinks.

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/24/2015
    1 check-in

    Another burger review? Yup... I think I need to cut down on my addiction to beef patties topped with cheese and toasted buns. Is there a group for burgaholic anonymous meetings? I think I need help.

    My addiction has brought me to Chicago and to a place rated by Bon Appetit as a perfect griddle burger. The place is called Au Cheval. Au Cheval is a high-end diner that serves their customers until 1AM. They also serve wines and beers from different zipcodes. Aside from their famous burger, they also offer some gourmet and upscale options like bone marrow and foie gras. They have the out of the ordinary as well such as chicken liver and duck heart. There are bold options and the safe options. The burgers, i'll put them down under the safe options. When its safe, it must be good.

    I went to Au Cheval on a late Saturday night. I got there around 9:30PM. That late at night, the wait time was two and a half hours. So plan ahead and get ready to wait for a very.. very.. very long time. It would help they had more seats at their bar. Unfortunately, only 6 seats at the bar were available for waiting guests. With a wait time that long, you might as well just get a reservation for the 6 bar seats. Luckily, their staff is very attentive. Which was a big plus. Someone spotted us waiting by the bar and immediately offered us their bar menu. The drinks made the wait a little more bearable amidst the very lightly lit room. I say lightly lit to a point that you would need your phone light just to read the menu. Blame it on the concept. It was supposed to make the place feel cozy, private and a little mysterious.

    Like I said, service wasn't bad at all. Though the wait time was for more than 2 hours, we were given a seat at the bar an hour early. Not to say one hour and a half of wait time while standing was fun. Food was served fast and it was served hot. Too hot in fact I burned my tongue on my first bite of the beef cheek marmalade that was served together with the bone marrow. I always find it nice when servers warn me to be careful if they are serving charcoal hot food. I just didn't get that warning from my server. Combine that with more than an hour of waiting to eat, you have disaster. Oh.. I had disaster.

    The food was really good but it wasn't over the top good.

    Let me start with the roasted bone marrow served with beef cheek marmalade and toast. The bone marrow was cooked well. It was creamy, salty and very fresh. On a toast and together with the sweet and chewy beef cheek marmalade, it was a bite of flavor and texture explosion. My favorite of all the layers was actually the beef marmalade. Overall combined, it did not wow me as much as the cost. At $17.95, this bone marrow breaks my bone just a little too much.

    Let's get to the burger. DO NOT EXPECT GOURMET BURGERS. Their burgers are very simple. It had layers of beef patties, cheddar cheese, light spread of dijonnaise, thin slices of pickled dill and toasted bun. I ordered the double cheeseburger which actually had 3 layers of beef patty. The beef component was seasoned well. You can taste the freshness of the beef that was used for the burger. I did miss some of the fat component that I expect from a burger patty. I think the burger lost a lot of the moisture from the griddle. The patties came out a little dry. The cheese however was perfectly melted. It hugged that beef patty like a cheese blanket. I ordered the burger with bacon and fried egg. In my opinion, it took away the focus out of the simplicity of the burger. If I get a chance to try this burgers again, I'll stay away from the fried egg and bacon. The bacon is really good (in fact, the best of my meal). There is a reason why the menu says cheeseburger not cheeseburger with bacon and egg. Overall, keeping the simplicity of the burger was really brave since the price was a whopping $12.95. At that price, i was expecting gold on my burger. The only gold I found on my burger was the cheddar cheese. The rest was plain, simple and ordinary.

    Dining at Au Cheval taught me a few things. Not all things famous are good. It applies to celebrities, so why not food? Not all things are worth the wait. I waited for an hour and a half to try their burgers. I could have gone to a certain in and out place or a place where I can be greeted by a clown and maybe get myself the same burger satisfaction without the wait time. Au Cheval is a nice place. But, really? Is Au Cheval burger worth the time and $12.95 of my hard earned money?

    Read my other reviews at themealexperience.blogsp…

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/27/2015

    Best burger & best bone marrow I've ever had. Line is as aggressive as the food is worth the wait.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/9/2015

    The hype is real, we d the double cheese with bacon and egg, eggs and fois gras, and chicken wings. The food was beyond amazing, atmosphere was great (outkast playing in the background). The wait was less than half the time we were told at check in. Definitely will be back

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/13/2014
    1 check-in

    Two hour wait? It better be good! After being picked up from the airport without even a chance to freshen up and change from our travel clothes, our host brought us straight to Au Cheval. It was a two hour wait, but we walked across the street to grab some beers at Haymarket to kill some time. This place is known for having the best burger, but I can't comment on that since I don't eat beef. I know, I know. However, the three other people dining with me said it was fantastic and they all gobbled them up with added bacon and fried eggs. They looked delicious. I went for the open faced ham and cheese fondue. It came with four pieces of thick buttery grilled toasts and a delicious mixture of melted cheese and ham with a sunny fried egg on top. Oh, man! We also got two orders of french fries and mashed potatoes with garlic gravy. We ended up using the mashed potatoes and gravy as a dipping sauce for the fries. This was absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself is cozy and dimly lit, but the best part was all of the old school hip hop they were playing. When I heard Deltron 3030 I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/26/2014

    My girlfriend and I decided to eat at Au Cheval for Valentine's Day. The 2 hour wait was well worth it. I strongly recommend the single cheeseburger with egg and the garlic fries. The way the burger is seasoned and the tenderness of the meat are nothing short of amazing. As I was savoring every bite, I decided there was no other proper way to wash it down than with a beer. The restaurant has a wide variety of beers to satisfy every taste bud. Lastly, the server continued to use formalities with me, even though he knew I was younger - which I thought was commendable.

    If you do not like dimly lit places, this is not the place for you. Also, they do not ask how you would like your burger cooked, so if you like it prepared in a special way you must request while asking.

    10/10, would definitely come here again.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/27/2015

    Au Cheval has been on my radar for quite a while but the lengthy wait is a major turn off. I consider myself a burger enthusiast so my boyfriend and I took the plunge and decided to handle the wait. We went earlier and the wait was luckily only about 45 minutes, yup...at Au Cheval that's considered not a bad wait. I was lucky to snag a seat at the bar and my boyfriend and I ordered a couple of beers while we waited. The beers, in my opinion were excellent. Au Cheval has a fantastic beer selection.  

    Alas, our hostess came over and showed us to our seats which were in the back of the already small and forcefully intimate space. Usually I do not like crammed spots but for how small the place, it's not unbearably tight. I was comfortable and relaxed. I do believe the low lighting and hip decor really helped.

    OBVIOUSLY, we ordered their signature burger, which FYI - THE SINGLE comes with two patties, and the DOUBLE comes with three patties. Our waitress did not inform us of that so my boyfriend and I ordered doubles... Let me tell ya, that was just way too much meat. I will order a single next time. Anyway, the burger was FANTASTIC. The burgers are cooked to a medium temp, and the patties are lightly beaten making them thinner allowing the stack of three patties to not look or feel overwhelming huge or obnoxious. The flavors in the patties really came through and each bite was better than the next. I actually really enjoyed that the only toppings on the burger was melted cheese and a layer of onions and pickles drenched in dijonnaise. Another quick note, the burgers do not come with sides! Honestly, if you are there for the burger, one side is good enough for two people. My boyfriend and I ordered fries and their smashed potatoes with garlic gravy (deeelicious), and we hardly finished our sides.

    I really enjoyed my experience (minus the wait). Well done Au Cheval! I will be back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/4/2013

    Well, looks like I've just found my new favorite restaurant in Chicago!!!
    Tried it for the first time on Wed (what took me so long?!) and came back again 2 days later.

    1st visit: I'd always wanted to try Au Cheval, but the inability to make reservations there always discouraged me from going. After work, I walked over to see if I could snag a spot for just 1 person... yesss I was seated at the bar right away. This was my first time eating alone at a restaurant - I thought it would feel awkward, but my waiter was extremely friendly & helped me narrow down my choice (so difficult when I literally want to devour every single item on the menu). I ordered the foie gras with scrambled eggs on toast, and IT WAS AMAZING. Each bite tasted like heaven. I will admit that it was a bit on the heavy side, so maybe sharing with someone else would be more wise.

    2nd visit: My friend saw a picture of my foie gras and asked if I wanted to come with her again... UM.. YES! In total, we ordered the crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy, hamburger with fried egg, foie gras with eggs (again), and each got a rootbeer float. Yeah, it's pretty obvious that we couldn't finish all that food already, but to top it off... the waiter remembered me (I think) and gave us a plate of bacon on the house. (This bacon literally changed my previous perception of bacon as dry, tasteless, too-oily and thin ----- to thick, juicy, flavorful... perfection).
    Best meal in a long time.

    I really could not compliment this restaurant enough. Food, ambience, service... everything.
    YOU MUST TRY IT. ESPECIALLY THE FOIE GRAS.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/15/2015

    When someone asks me what the best burger place in Chicago is, without a doubt I can give you the answer in my sleep. Au Cheval is the real deal when it comes to satisfying those burger cravings. Flavorful and delicious, this West Loop sensation is a gem of a find.

    I was introduced to Au Cheval last year, when a friend of mine took me here for late night dinner and drinks. Not expecting much out of a late night diner, to my surprise I was blown away with the experience more so then anything else. This hipster New York style old school diner, with exposed brick walls, booths near the kitchen/bar area and outstanding selection of hip hop classics sure got my attention from the moment I walked through the door. And for those wanting a little more action, there are stools located around the bar area that put you right in front of the kitchen crew where you see all the magic happen all while enjoying their wonderful creations. Aside from the overall experience this is not your typical romantic environment, it is loud, fast paced, and energetic atmosphere, so I advise you not to come here expecting to have intimate time with your significant other. Another downside is the wait time, so give yourself some time (2-3hrs at the most). Trust me it is worth the wait!

    Weather it is for brunch or late night dinner, this diner goes from day to night serving their master creations. What makes this place exceptional is the entire experience, and last but not least their food takes the number one spot. From their delicious fried egg on pretty much anything imaginable, outstanding burgers, their one of a kind chilaquiles and not to mention their amazing selection f cocktails/beers. There is no way you can go wrong with anything else on the menu, because it's all spectacular.

    Overall Au Cheval is your ultimate go to place when you're in need some serious comfort food and some good vibes. But most importantly their burgers off course! Hope your experience was just as memorable and enjoyable as mine!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/14/2014

    Best burger I've ever had. Whenever someone comes in from out of town, I take them here (schedule permitting). I want everyone to experience this wonder of Chicago.

    My go-to order: single (two patties) cheeseburger with thick-cut bacon, fries with garlic aioli, and the Dr. Devon's Pickleback. Drool...

    Other dishes I've tried:
    - Crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy: fantastic, and I'm not normally a sweetbreads kinda guy
    - Crispy Fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried farm egg: used to order this until I'd realized that the regular order of fries came with garlic aioli as well. Mornay sauce and egg weren't necessary for me to inhale these delicious fries.
    - Roasted marrow bones, beef cheek marmalade & toast: so rich, so delicious.
    - Matzah ball soup: best I've had, but I think I've only had it one other time :-/
    - General Jane's honey-fried chicken with chili, sesame seeds and cilantro: decent fried chicken, but wasn't too memorable for me. Probably because every time I'm here, I just want the burger!
    - Fried house-made bologna sandwich: disappointing, considering that it was their staple until the burger came along. The flavors didn't mix so well in my mouth.

    Wait times vary:
    - Came on a Thursday night (~7:00pm) with roommate. Took about 1.25 hours to get seated at the bar (I think there was something going on at the United Center).
    - I've arranged a few Saturday evenings with a group of 8+ friends. We'll typically put down a name and cell #, then head to Haymarket kitty-corner to this place. ~1 hour wait. Had to split up into separate tables.
    - Came on a Thursday evening (~4:45pm) with 3 coworkers. Seated almost immediately, but had to wait for the kitchen to open at 5pm.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/26/2013

    We visited Au Cheval on a Sunday afternoon around 1pm. The place was super tiny and our party of 6 was given a wait time of an hour and fifteen minutes. We saw a bunch of seats at the bar and asked if we could be seated there, but for whatever reason, we couldn't. So after deliberating, we decided to wait. We waited inside for a few minutes before feeling super claustrophobic and waiting outside in some light rain (wish they had more covered waiting area if they're so crowded). The bartender was kind of rude. We were talking about the bloody mary ingredients and my friend was just looking at what toppings they had and the bartender said (twice!) "Don't touch those ingredients". Really?? Why would we touch toppings we know will be on peoples drinks... and no one was even close enough for her to think they were being touched...

    Thankfully, we didn't wait more than 35 minutes before they asked us if we wanted to try to squeeze into a booth. We said that was perfectly ok and sat down. The restaurant itself is super adorable. The decor is cute, there was a huge mirror right next to us which definitely gives the restaurant a bigger feel. My complaint was the LEGIT bumpin' music. It got super annoying and I was sober and not hungover, I cannot even imagine how annoying it is for those who stop in hungover for brunch. The restaurant temp was set way too high in my opinion and it was super warm in there - pretty uncomfortable.

    The hostess somehow found out that the reason we were all together that morning for brunch was partly due to the fact that one of our friends there had lost her mom the day before. She was super sympathetic, talked to my friend for a bit, and sent over some complimentary muffins. Totally unnecessary but just a nice gesture. I thought they were alright. A bit dense and dry, but super moist once I lathered it with their delicious butter.

    For drinks, I ordered the bloody mary, which was decent. I also ordered the coffee which was amazing. Probably because they make it in a french press and set the press in front of you. Super strong, fresh, and delicious. And, of course, glasses upon glasses of water since it was so warm.

    For a meal, I got the chilaquiles. Never had this before but I FELL.IN.LOVE. Messy nachos with eggs and cheese and salsa and jalapeños and sour cream (and some more toppings??).. YES please. SO good. I also had a side of their hash browns with some cheese (should have specified shredded since they put slices of cheese on top... hate when places do that). But the hash browns were pretty good.

    My friend said the bread was really good, so I had a bite of one of my friends toast, definitely yummy. The other girls got scrambled eggs (looked creamy and delish), cheeseburgers (3 of them), and there was a salmon dip special that one girl got. Everyone REALLY enjoyed their meal.

    Overall, this place was decent. Food was good, service (overall) was good, although we encountered the rude bartender and one rude server when we were waiting for a table. I was not a fan of the music and the restaurant was super tiny, cramped, and warm. I probably won't be back since I try something new every time I'm in Chi. But, my friends who live there did say that they only have a few places that they actually frequent (since there's so much to try) and Au Cheval is one of them.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/15/2014

    The wait was 15 minutes, cocktail - horses neck was delicious, the burger was one of my top 3 I've ever had, and the fries should be illegal.. Twice fried with mornay sauce, are you kidding me? I've been dreaming about ever since.  It also looks like they make fresh mille feuille, but I had forged on too much mornay sauce and fries to manage it. I will be back, possibly tomorrow!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/24/2014
    1 check-in

    I've been to Au Cheval a bunch of times and it's always with out of towners to get the burger. It's a great burger. If you aren't getting it with bacon and an egg on it, you're doing it wrong. The burger is huge, though, so you might want to split it or plan to take half home. They've got some amazing fries too, so get an order for the table to split.

    While you're waiting for your burger, I suggest a pickle back shot. It's a shot of whiskey, chased but a shot of pickle juice. It's surprisingly good and the pickles juice always puts me I  the mood for a burger.

    They don't take reservations, so we usually put our names in and go next door to Lone Wolf to drink for a while. They'll call your cell when they're ready.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/16/2014

    Probably my favorite burger in all of Chicago!  We came here on a Friday night at 5:00 and had to wait about 1.5 hours to be seated for 4 people. We just hung out at the bar next door until they text us our table was ready.

    Their burgers are HUGE! So don't load up on apps! Make sure you stick with the single cheeseburger (It comes with 2 pattys) if you go double, you won't be able to move...

    I got the bone marrow and fries as sides, I probably could have done without the bone marrow, it was a little too much food.

    Also if you are a fan of bacon, make sure you get bacon on your burger, it's the most unique bacon you'll ever have! It's literally a half inch thick, I've never seen anything like it before.

    Also they have great rootbeer here!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/29/2014

    I immediately wanted to go here seeing they played their music from a reel to reel player, but it took me about a year to finally go as I had moved out of the city. My cousin used to work here so I had to ask him what was good on the menu since I'm a very picky eater. I haven't had Bologna in probably 10 years but when I heard they make their own, I had the friend bologna sandwich with a side of their smashed potatoes. There was WAY too much bologna on the bun to even fit in my mouth so I took a lot off, but none the less it was great. The garlic aioli in the smashed potatoes was perfect. I have also never had Matzo Ball soup until that night, I was definitely a fan and I've been craving it every day since then. My friend had just a plain cheeseburger and said its one of the best he's had.
    On another note, I didn't realize that once I got in there I was on a time crunch, we just let our waiter know even though it was a full house, but he hit that chef to push our order out very fast!!

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    2/24/2015

    Hands down, best burger in the city, and possibly best I've ever had.

    Dreaming of going back.....YES, you will expect to wait if you go anytime after 4:30PM, but it's totally worth it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/23/2015

    Best burger in Chicago. Hands down.  I had a burger with the egg on top and my husband had the same with bacon added.  We shared the fries... which were fried in duck fat.  So we were VERY happy.  Good service, clean, neat atmosphere... and did I mention that it is the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/12/2014

    If I could give 10 stars I would. I came here last night with my boyfriend finally and it definitely loved everything about this place.

    It's not huge so you can expect a bit of a wait but service is great either at the bar or a table.

    I had a burger which was melt in your mouth amazing. Great selection of beers as well. Local breweries throughout the Midwest kind of beers.

    Definitely will be back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/3/2014

    Long lines but worth the wait. Very friendly and accomodating staff. Order the bone marrow, foie gras, chicken liver and salmon. All amazing and will leave you extremely full.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/31/2015

    Believe the reviews! The burgers probably ARE the best in Illinois and probably further. Simply dressed as opposed to places that pile crap on their burgers to disguise lack of beef flavor.  As for the bacon. I don't know if my vocabulary skills can do it justice.  It's not that over-smoked, smelly stuff that's  a hit or miss age-wise. This bacon is a tasty melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture up against a wonderfully crispiness all lightly coated with cracked black pepper and a sweet glaze. you should get it as an appetizer with one of the many unique beer offerings and eat it with your burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/22/2015

    One of the best burgers I have ever had, and one of the best old fashions I've had as well. (Ask for a tray of bacon)

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/9/2015

    This was the most unbelievable bacon-egg-cheeseburger I have EVER had in my life. Also, the fries with aioli, cheese and a fried egg legitimately changed my life.....WHAT IS THIS PLACE?! It's amazing. It's life changing. It's a culinary masterpiece.

    You MUST come here. Unbelievably delicious food, creative menu, kind and attentive staff, and an experience that deserves to be recognized.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/12/2015

    This place gets the triple B. Bomb Burgers and Bacon. Food is worth the hype. Go get it.

    Where this place lacks is the front of the house. My buddy places his name on the list and we were told 30 min. Fine, go across the street and get a brew while we wait. Got a text - table is ready. Boom! Mange time!

    We get there and FOH says we will seat you shortly, 2 people are leaving soon. No problem, we say, we will be waiting right outside. 20 min later, not one person has called my buddies name. We go inside to check and FOH says we called the name, and someone said they were us. DOUBLE U TEE EFF! Now, I get this place is bomb, but cmon people. Lie to get a seat - karma's a bitch. Just saying. Also, FOH should have recognized my buddy's face and should have known that the person claiming to be him wasn't. All FOH could say was "it happens" - pretty shitty on her part.

    Again, BOMB food and service. Shitty FOH.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/3/2014
    1 check-in

    Protip #1: They don't do reservations, so put your name in, and go across the street to Haymarket for some awesome beers and a place to actually sit. You'll be crammed in the waiting area otherwise. The host/hostess will take your number down and text you when your table is ready.  *Note: they won't seat you unless your entire party is present.

    Protip #2: The General Jane's fried chicken is almost exactly like Crisp's Korean BBQ in Lakeview, so if you want more bang for your buck, go there!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/12/2015

    You may have heard all of the hype regarding their burger. Well, I did too, and it definitely didn't disappoint.  The wait is long (they told us 5 hours, what did you expect?), but I have a secret. There are 6 bar seats that are first come first served, and nobody really waits around. We waited only 1 1/2 hours with a group of 4, and snagged some seats.  They will also serve you drinks while you're waiting.  Now, back to the food.  The burger is really nothing fancy, but is cooked to perfection and has the perfect bun to meat to cheese ratio.  You must try some apps as well.  I recommend the bone marrow or chili.  Their fries are excellent as well.  Definitely worth the wait.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/12/2015

    All I can say is that the burger is entirely worth it. I will probably never be satisfied by a burger back home ever again. Au Cheval set the standard high. You will likely have to wait really long time (we stopped by at 9pm on a weekday and were told the wait was 2.5 hours), but if you get there about 30 minutes before opening on a weekday you should be good (we were). Note that the bacon and egg for the burger are add-ons, so be sure to ask. I believe it also comes with raw onions, pickles, and dijonnaise. I'm still thinking about this burger weeks later. Wow. If you're visiting Chicago, you MUST stop by. It was one of the highlights of my most recent Chicago trip.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/17/2014

    After a morning of being cultured at the Field Museum, I needed to get back in my own element. Beer and burgers at Au Cheval was just what the Doctor ordered. This is my kind of place. A cozy little bar with great craft beers and tasty grub.

    The beer selection is over whelming. But with some assistance from our server, I went with the Old Rasputin. This beer may have been named after the smelly old Russian Shyster who kept the Romanov's under his fraudulent spell. But there was nothing smelly about this delicious ale.

    As most of you know, I've been on a mission to find a burger that can knock Kuma's off the beef throne. The Burger at Au Cheval just misses the mark on the Kuma's scale but its still ranks up there with some of the best in Chicago. But when you consider the great Craft Beers, top notch service and good food, it warrants a five star rating.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/2/2013 Updated review
    9 check-ins

    I'm back at Au Cheval for lunch and want to update my review!

    I would give Au Cheval 6 stars if I could!!!!!  What was I thinking only getting the Single without the Fried Egg and Bacon????????? Stupid move!!!!

    You have to try the Double Cheeseburger with Bacon and Fried Egg!!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!! This place just keeps getting better and better!!!!!

    I don't understand the complaints about the service, the staff at lunch is phenomenal.    The complainers probably didn't order the Double Cheeseburger!!!!!

    By the way, the Double Cheeseburger is really a Triple!!!  This should satisfy the big appetites.  If not, order more sides!!!

    This place receives 2 AMAZINGS, AMAZINGS!!!!!

    5.0 star rating
    9/23/2013 Previous review
    Hands down the Best Burger in Chicago!!!!

    If you think you've had the best burger in…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    6/1/2014

    Came here for lunch as the reviews have touted Au Cheval as having the best burger in the city.

    We sat at the bar so had a front row view of the kitchen. My boyfriend and I tried the burger (with bacon and fried egg) and the chilaquiles.

    The burger of course tasted delicious but there was a creamy white sauce to help with that. The bacon was so thick and fatty -- glad we split the burger! The chilaquiles was just okay -- didn't like how we saw how the staff fried the chips and squeeze the guac and sour cream out of plastic bags.

    I left the restaurant feeling pretty sick (stomach was upset and I also felt like I needed to vomit).

    Overall, not the best experience and likely would not come back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/19/2015

    4 star average! That's mortifying! Best burger on this planet - no question. Duck fat fries - addicting. The bacon is thick, juicy, salty, and everything else you dream of. The wait can be long so walk across the street to Haymarket for a beer while you wait. I crave this place and there is no satisfying me until I have it.

  • 1.0 star rating
    5/10/2015

    Best burger? Yeah. Does it make for the lousy service? Of course not. Manager  blake is the worst guy. I could come back here forever but i wont if im treated like shit.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/21/2014

    I might as well have skipped college for the amount of money I spend on Sodikoff restaurants. Honestly, it blows my mind how consistent and amazing his shit is. I'm panicking as I write this, impatiently waiting for my roomie to pull it together for our ritual Sunday Au cheval family dinner. We are on about 10 in a row now and it's like my crack. I don't wait for anything; I have the patience of I what I would imagine a crack addict has.

    The burger is awesome. Not my favorite ever, I'm more of a huge medium rare girl, but it's awesome. And unique. The fries are insane, the chicken app is fantastic. But we order bacon for an app because you have to save it all for the main feature. I go no egg, no bacon, because of our indulgence prior, and it's better that way. The puff dessert with whipped cream is orgasmic. Staff is usually great. And I'm not a hipster.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/3/2014
    1 check-in

    What an unassuming place! I seriously couldn't even tell if the place was open from the outside. I tried looking in and all you can see is a reflection of yourself. I almost moved on to another restaurant fearing that this place was closed, lucky for me someone that was also wondering the same thing tried the door, so I scurried in behind them. So glad I did. The food is amazing. The hamburger was cooked perfectly with a fried egg neatly set on top of the 3x patties, I also got the sausage over mash and the au ju gravy. Everything about this dish was fantastic, there isn't one thing I would change. My experience was great and I am so glad I stumbled upon this place.

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/28/2014
    2 check-ins

    It must have been an off day for Au Cheval when I visited.  I had the single burger with bacon & cheese. If you are looking to die young, get the burger with bacon and cheese. The burger was saturated in grease. I couldn't get through half of it without feeling like my heart was going to stop. Don't be fooled, the bacon is extra thick, maybe a good side order to share with someone pre-burger but not on the burger.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/26/2014
    1 check-in

    Every time I've tried to come to Au Cheval, there's been some absurdly long wait. Since I'm not one to wait around for a long time, it took me a while to get here.

    Now, I do need to note that I didn't do dinner here, but, whatever. I met a friend here for lunch as it just seemed like the thing to do. I'm sure people are expecting me to talk about the burger(s). Here's the thing, I didn't get a burger. Instead I got the egg hash and it was absolutely awesome. They certainly didn't skimp on the potato hash. This was done beautifully and then add a sunny side up egg on top, and, well, you has something utterly awesome.

    My lunch at Au Cheval did feel like a bit of a teaser. But, what a teaser it was. Au Cheval has been on my mind since and I need to make sure I dig more into the menu in future visits.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/17/2014

    The best hamburger I've ever had.  Get a single or a double, it doesn't matter.  But load it up with bacon and an egg and you are in heaven.  I describe the bacon as bacon-before-the-fall...it's the type of bacon that Adam and Eve must have enjoyed in the Garden of Eden.  It is THAT good.

    If you have people in your group, the pork chop is huge and it's delicious.  They only have one or two a night, but if there's a wait, you can put it on reserve.

    Great fries.  Great old fashioneds.  The fried chicken is very good.  If you haven't checked out Au Cheval, go right now!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/28/2015

    Their burgers should get like 10,000 stars - I can't stop thinking about it!  Only reason I gave them four stars is because it's difficult to get into and they don't take reservations.  I finally went at lunch - had to arrive by 11:15.  But that burger - is SOOOOO worth it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/17/2015

    Loved it!  Came for Sunday brunch. We prepared ourselves for a lengthy wait so we got to the restaurant at 930 am, a half an hour before opening.  There were only a few other people waiting and once the doors opened we were seated right away.  My husband had the Fried Bologna Sandwich and I had the Cheeseburger with bacon. We also has Bloody Mary's to drink and I had an iced coffee as well.  Oh and who could forget the amazing French fries with a fried egg on top and delish garlic aioli.  Everything was super flavorful and cooked perfectly.  We can't wait to visit again in the near future for dinner.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/7/2015

    Let me start off by saying Wow! I'm a huge burger fan and I think I've found one of the best, not only in the city, but in the country. Thurman's in Columbus, OH was my favorite, but the burger at Au Cheval has taken over the top spot on my board.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/7/2014

    Came here for brunch with my boyfriend. The wait was over an hour and a half, so we hung around the bar and luckily got some seats. We decided to split the duck hash and we each ordered the cheeseburger. We also shared the fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and a fried egg. For some reason, the waitress only asked me if I wanted an egg on top and didn't give my boyfriend the option. He had wanted an egg, but we didn't realize that he didn't get to ask for an egg until she had left and after that we didn't see her for awhile. We also each ordered a bloody mary. I personally didn't like it much, because I'm not a fan of horseradish. I didn't realize it would be that prominent, but that was my fault for ordering it. The duck hash was amazing, but incredibly dense and rich. After the first couple of bites, I had already started feeling full. The fries were also good. I liked the mornay sauce, but I don't think we needed the fries on top of the hash. It was all too dense and too heavy. When our cheeseburgers came, they were...good. Uh.. not really sure what to say other than that. It was actually kind of disappointing, because I thought that was their thing? Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but it was amazing either. I think I would have been just as happy with a big mac in all honesty. It was also incredibly messy and, because we were sitting at a tiny bar with about four or five other people, it was really cramped and hard to eat.

    Anyway, maybe I need to come when they have their regular menu (not the brunch menu), but overall I was really underwhelmed. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/6/2015
    1 check-in

    BEST BURGER IN TOWN, Kuma's Corner is not even in the same league as Au Cheval. This place was recommended to me long before it was on "Check Please" or it received all its accolades. I carve it just thinking about it, the mashed potatoes take me back to childhood, they are superb. Not to mention their thick cut bacon, if you are a bacon lover you not only do you have to get it on your burger but get yourself a side of it as well. Everyone I have ever taken has been thoroughly impressed.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/8/2014 Updated review
    Listed in AHH'LL BE BAHHCK

    THE BURGER, PEOPLE.  GET IT AND SHOVE THAT BEAUTIFUL BABY RIGHT DOWN YOUR GULLET.

    Totally regret not getting it the first time around, but oh-so-glad I was able to get it this time.  **Note: the single burger, comes with two patties and the double burger comes with three patties.  The double is more than enough to fill you up and even with "nothing" on it but cheese, pickles, some ridiculously good sauce they put on it, it is ridiculously good.  One of the best burgers I've ever had.  Hands down.

    Also was able to try some of the bacon after telling my brother to get his burger with bacon and an egg and holy mother of God.  That thing could be a dish in and of itself.  I use the term bacon loosely here, because it's not necessarily bacon, but a huge patty of deliciousness.  So thick, so juicy, so good (that's what she said!).

    Paired with the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and fried egg and a stiegl radler?  Total party in my mouth.

    *Edit: bacon can be ordered as a side.  Get it, eat it, and love it, people of Yelp.

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2014 Previous review
    Wanted to come here for the longest time and went on a whim last evening.  The place was really… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    1/25/2015

    Got a double cheeseburger with bacon and an egg.... it was delicious, the bacon is crazy thick

    good beer selection too

  • 1.0 star rating
    9/2/2014

    The burger is fantastic. The service is really, really terrible. We waited an hour to be sat, as was expected, so no big deal at all. Once we were seated, it all went downhill.

    Our server takes a while to acknowledge us, but I've come to realize that service in this city is pretty subpar anyway. She comes over, we order one beer each (considering we just had two each next door, we were feeling feisty and were in a mission to definitely order more).  She is clearly not pleased with our selection, and slumps away to put in our order. Eh, maybe we won't be having more than one.

    We sit, we sit, we sit some more. Shall I mention we are the table directly beside the server station? Not like the place is big, anyway... Ah! Finally, nearly ten minutes later, beers arrive, only to be brought to us by another server. So, we just keep hanging out until she remembers that we are also here to dine. A while later, once she decides to acknowledge us again, she takes our order. Two double burgers, two sides. Not too shabby, right? Wrong. She clearly doesn't enjoy this selection of ours, either. We honestly don't see her again until I wave her down asking for a box - and we politely tried to make eye contact with her for quite some time before I got desperate enough to do this.

    She brings a box, drops the check, and leaves again with no eye contact, no "thank you", nothing. Hey, I get it. You hate us? We pay, we leave, we speak to a manager to let her know that things weren't great, and we just wanted her to be aware. The couple in front of us was complaining about their service as well, and the manager shrugged us all off and could not care less.

    I get it, Au Cheval. You're cool. But you know what? Treat enough people like sh!t and the appeal fades.  Regardless of how good the burger is, and that we live two blocks away, we will never be back.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/3/2013
    4 check-ins

    Yeah buddy!!  Wife and I painted the town and decided to stick our heads in here since we'd always wanted to go.  The fact that we had already had dinner, drinks at two different sports, and were really looking for an ATM machine did not stand in our way.  

    Seated at the bar, it is impossible not to drool; you're looking right into the kitchen prep where mouth watering burgers, some doubles, many with thick, and no, you're lying if you think you know how thick, slabs of bacon nestled atop ... almost all with cheese .  So even though we were not hungry, and even though we had already had plenty to drink; we looked at each other and "knew" that our desert was going to be a Burger, make that a double, with a fried egg atop.  Wife had a cider I had an IPA and the only reason I stopped at 3 stars is because I need to go back and verify he burger was as good as I thought it was.  

    And we are definitely going back.  Two drinks and a split burger came in at under 30 bucks ... next time we'll each order a burger as well as an order of fries (they looked amazing).

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/4/2014

    So....what can I say first about this place. The wait is long!!! 2+ hours long....and it seems that the minute you sit down you are given water but still have to wait for drinks...and this is on a Tuesday night!
    We ordered the chicken liver with toast and and had a single cheeseburger and a glass of wine.
    The wine was good...As well as the chicken livers yet they weren't as rich as I thought. The burger though topped with bacon was good but not great.
    Overall if the wait for a burger wasn't that long I would have given more stars to this place. First time here but not sure if I'll come back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/18/2014

    Let me preface by saying that my friends absolutely love this place. I like it a lot but I wouldn't say this is the 1 place you have to hit in the city. The burgers are cooked very well and the meat is a excellent. Top burger in the city. Word to the wise, a single is a double and a double is a triple. You can get bacon and/or an egg on your burger, of course, I got both. The waffle dessert was very good, as is the fries. My cons to the place are the wait is always very long and the prices are above where I would like to pay for the type of food I am getting.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/23/2015

    Love this place.

    Burgers are amazing, my favorite thing there so that's what I usually get. The honey fried chicken is also good. The brat and bone marrow were just ok. Decent beer and wine selection.

    The only thing is that it's small so there tends to be a long wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/9/2014
    1 check-in

    Food: Hands down best burger I've had in Chicago to date. I ordered the single cheeseburger with bacon (or whatever that fantastic cut of pig was). They make one long patty and fold it to make it seem like a double but it's just a large single patty. Really simple toppings that really let the flavor combinations shine and harmonize between the burger, bacon, and cheese. I would highly recommend this combination. The group I was with also ordered the fries topped with egg, which were good but nothing compared to the burger.

    Booze: good selection. I ordered a cider and it went well with the burger flavors.

    Service: The waitress did forget about a coffee but other than that the wait staff was friendly and attentive. There was an hour wait and we just went across the street and grabbed a drink, no big deal.

    Overall: get the burger with bacon and leave happy!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/7/2014

    Came here for lunch around 1 with my boo on a Thursday and was seated immediately. We shared a double cheeseburger au cheval with a fried egg. Also shared the bone marrow.  I wasn't sure how to eat the bone marrow. First I tasted the bread...nice and buttery. Then I tasted the jam which had a weird texture but overall I liked it on the bread. The marrow was a bit too salty for me but on the bread with jam, had a nice balance. The burger was good to me...would not say it's the best burger I've had though.  The double was way to big for me to have a good clean bite.  I may possibly be back, but I'm still on the quest to find the best burger...

    Service was nice, friendly, and fast.  The bathroom had a nice soap and lotion dispenser which I do appreciate :)

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/18/2014
    Listed in Chicago Food Tour

    My coworkers and I had heard to expect a wait at Au Cheval. We desperately wanted to go but we did not have much time to wait because we had several more stops that night. We went to Au Cheval right when they opened back up for dinner service at 5pm. Luckily we got a table and the place was quickly packed out by 5:05pm! No joke.

    We ordered the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried farm egg and the roasted marrow bones, beef cheek marmalade, and toast.

    These were both items that I had never experienced before. The egg on top of french fries was a new concept to me. The egg itself does not add much flavor but it definitely adds a nice texture and depth to simple fries. I very much enjoyed it!

    The marrow bones are a new favorite of mine! The marrow tastes like very flavorful meat fat. It was easy to spread on bread and was wonderful mixed with the marmalade. It felt like quite the delicacy.

    The ambiance is really an experience within itself on top of the delicious food. It's spectacular to see how they have transformed such a small place!

    I have heard that Au Cheval has fantastic burgers! I definitely plan on coming back on my next trip to Chicago to try one.

    I promise, Au Cheval is a must see, must eat, must do for anyone in Chicago!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/2/2014
    1 check-in

    Best burger I've had in a long, long time.

    Fantastic cocktails.

    Knocking off a star because of wait time. Hopefully soon they expand. :)

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/3/2014
    1 check-in

    I'm a burger aficionado and usually take burger recommendations from others w/ a grain of salt.  I judge my burgers by the quality and taste of the meat, not by the abundance of toppings as many do.

    The first stroll here was a Monday at 6:30PM. First impression was not good, there were people standing everywhere, inside, outside, everywhere. We were told the wait was 2 hours.  For a burger, no thanks, we moved on and were quickly seated elsewhere and had a great meal.

    Came back a few weeks later at 2:45PM when I was hoping for a quieter experience. It was still pretty packed, but I was alone so I bellied up to the bar. What's great about the bar is it's not a bar, it's actually the kitchen making your food. I've been to places that have a bar kitchen concept like this, but haven't seen it in Chicago, and I love it. I immediately ordered a nice Saison, then almost just as immediately my burger. You can add bacon and egg, I added bacon. After I ordered a "single" I became nervous watching as the single patties were small.  Upon receiving my burger my nervousness gave way to realizing that a single burger here is actually comprised of 2 patties, in the end resembling something akin to a single 1/2# burger.  That's a unique way of serving burgers and probably plays into the taste a lot even. A double, I'm told now, is actually a triple.

    Burger came, first bite was a chewy piece of the bacon I had added.  I was worried, let down even that I needlessly added bacon. But then as I carried on the rest of the burger was pretty great.  I am not entirely sure what the actual toppings were as I did not see them actually mentioned on the menu, but it appeared to be American cheese with a chopped onion and mornay / bechemal sauce.  It was still a relatively simple topping combination, but added up to greatness. And the whole thing truly unique. Still, bacon didn't seem totally necessary.

    I would recommend this burger. Would I wait for 2 hours? Absolutely no way. Would I wait more than an hour even? Not in Chicago.

    A single cheese burger w/ bacon, 1 beer, and order of fries came to $38 with 20% tip.

    Also, the Yelp hours are wrong. While they are open for the period of time mentioned, the kitchen actually closes at 3PM-5PM.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/18/2015

    Love love love this place. Food was delicious and the decor was just very warm & cozy. Had to knock off one star for the long wait (1 hr & 30 mins)

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/12/2013
    1 check-in

    FYI:they don't take reservations so expect to wait..Brunch menu is from 10AM-3PM..they don't really have too many options on the Brunch menu if you're looking for different types of burgers & omelettes..

    I came here for lunch on Sunday with a couple friends..our wait time was about 40 minutes..

    Food:
    Cheeseburger a cheval ($10.95): consisted of 2 meat patties, cheese, thick bacon (tastes like Korean pork belly), egg, onions & a pickle on the side..this is seriously a HUGE burger..delicious, but also a little salty for me with all the meat in it...overall tasty though!...I think eating just this burger would consist of my lunch + dinner because it's soo huge!!

    Fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried farm egg ($9.95) - good to share amongst 4 ppl.. delicious and a must try!! the combination of the sauces & eggs with the fries really make it taste good!! I really enjoyed the garlic aioli compared to the mornay sauce...**the garlic aioli will taste good w/ the burger as well!

    Customer Service: friendly and timely.. no complaints!

    Wait time: expect to wait to get seated..and the restaurant is quite small so come prepared to wait outdoors (if it's cold, dress warmly!)..

    I would come back for the burger or fries .. or just to try some different items on their menu!

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 4.0 star rating
    8/27/2013
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chi-city

    Auuuuuu yeah. That's how I like it, baby. Au Cheval, is another golden support to Chicago's amazing eateries. The dimly lit restaurant consisted of a talkative crowd with just as friendly servers.

    We started off with a salad to get some healthy and fresh greens. The bone marrow is huge and is sure to jolt your taste buds to life. The fried chicken is of the Korean bonchon influence with its crispy sauced skin and moist white meat. A cheeseburger topped with a sunny side up egg rounded out our meal and it was eggshellent.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/30/2014
    1 check-in

    A few things about Au Cheval...

    We arrived about an hour before dinner service to have some drinks and not have to wait for a table. The booths have a nice tufted chesterfield leather look and are really
    comfortable, makes for a nice drinking session.

    They have a decent local craft selection with Revolution, 3 Floyds, Goose and 5 Rabbitt.

    Th service was definitely disappointing.. The place had about 8 customers around 4 PM.. We ordered a couple beers with our server and about ten minutes later my wife looks at me like "are we getting our drinks"?. I said I haven't seen our server and she said she has been sitting in the booth behind us.... We got our drinks about 15 minutes after sitting down in a virtually empty place.

    The food service was questionable as well... The place fills up fast.. The entire back end of the place got every order taken before ours although they all arrived after us by at least 45 minutes because the sever assigned to that area was at work 30 minutes before his shift and our server arrived 2 minutes before hers.... Mightily annoying. The burger was excellent .... One of the best around....  But I'm not dying to go back and deal with the sh!t show that commenced before our food arrived.

    There are burgers just as good elsewhere in the city with half the issues.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/11/2015 Updated review

    The burgers are simply just mouth watering. Yes crazzzy wait times to actually sit down but You won't regret waiting once you had one of there burgers and there honey fried chicken. Great selection of beers on tap prices aren't bad either.

    5.0 star rating
    4/28/2015 Previous review
    The burgers are simply just mouth watering. Yes crazzzy wait times to actually sit down but You… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    7/4/2015

    I have only ever dined here very late night so the menu was limited but the food was outstanding and the service impeccable even though it was packed and we were seated at the bar.  The burger here is seriously seriously good and the nacho like thing I had on the late night menu was to die for and a portion large enough the three of us could have shared one order!  I'll be back again and again!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/11/2015

    What more can be said about their burger?  We waited 45 minutes to sit at the bar on a Wednesday night, and I wasn't bothered one bit.  

    I've now been to Au Cheval twice, and every time eating their burger is like a religious experience.  I forget all of my problems and stresses, and every ounce of my energy is spent focusing on the glory that I'm consuming.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/5/2015

    The Burger!!!!

    You cannot beat the  bread and butter pickles that are made in house.  I was shocked at the 9.00 price for a side of bacon, but once I saw and tasted the bacon I completely understood.  I would gladly spend 9.00 everyday for that side of bacon.

    My husband ordered the opened faced ham and cheese sandwich which was delicious and a heart attack waiting to happen.  

    I love the gentlemen's club feel of the decor and the sink in the bathroom.  

    Au Cheval does dinner food right!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/3/2015

    Must agree that it's one of the best burgers I've ever had.  The burger seriously melts in your mouth.  We started with a salad with bacon on it- amazing!   Never had bacon like that!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/7/2014
    1 check-in

    The wait at Au Cheval was an hour long, but that was expected, as we have attempted to wait out our hunger here a few times before.

    We ordered a few glasses of beer off of their very selective menu dotted with some interesting stouts. The atmosphere is bustling and pub-like; and everyone seems to be happy that they are finally seated.

    The menu is small, but filled with deeply-savory, soporific foods like matzah ball soup, fries with mayo, bologna sandwich, potato hash, chilaquiles, and chicken liver. It's as if the chef tested all the dishes in the world and ranked them by the fastest sleep-inducing items.

    All in all, the food was good, bursting with flavor. The potato hash with duck heart gravy was especially outstanding, every bit of the ugly goop was promptly spooned into my mouth.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/9/2015

    Thee best thing I ever ate.  The burger.  The bacon.  The egg.  And oh my God the bacon! The myriad of feelings and thoughts I had when eating this burger are almost too personal and intimate to share.  Do not leave Chicago without eating this burger.

    Ok so now Im going to recall the thoughts and words...

    Sensational.  Lord have mercy.  Mind blowing.  Erotic.  Nothing compares.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/8/2015

    Went here for brunch with my girlfriend during the holiday seasons. There wasn't much of a wait, we were quickly seated at the corner table and handed the brunch menus.

    Ambiance: Small, bustling restaurant. Very dim lighting with loud music. Cramped walking space between tables. Open kitchen next to bar with counter seating.

    Service: Staff was very casual and friendly, asking if we had any allergies. Refilling water quite often which was nice since my girlfriend prefers drinking water.

    Food: Bomb! Ordered the fried egg on top of fries with garlic aioli and mornay sauce and the cheeseburger with fried egg and bacon. Really enjoyed our brunch.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/2/2014

    OH MY GOODNESS. Best burger. EVER. If you love the burger and egg hype this is your place. The wait is ridiculous but luckily its on randolph so whatever put your name and number down and wait (usually 2 hours) at a nearby bar. Im telling do not be shocked by the wait time. ITS WORTH THE FREAKIN WAIT!! Just wait it out. Thank me later.

    Ps- Order the fries with the egg too. If you are thinking wait thats too much egg? Think again. Amazing.

  • 2.0 star rating
    6/15/2015

    I have heard legend of this place for a while so I checked it out. Portions where nice sized, bloody mary was great, but that is where it ended. The burger was so loaded with salt  I could barely taste it. I couldn't figure out what happened, I thought it might be the bacon, but I was watching the guy on the grill taking way to much salt and tossing it on the burgers. Eeech. I asked the guy next to me, who ordered the same burger, he concurred. The frys where worse then mcdonalds.  For a 45 dollar bill I expected a lot better. I am hoping, for their sake, this was just an inexperienced grill guy.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/1/2015

    excellent burger, fries and coffee but are they REALLY worth the hype ??? I personally do not think so.....Do not go unless you are a lip reader- the very loud music makes it impossible to have a conversation ...or hear your waiter...I also find it disingenuous that extra charges for egg ( $1.00 ) and bacon ( $3.50 ) for the burger are not mentioned in the menu. My curiosity about  " the best burger in the USA " was satisfied but I will not be back ( and I am sure that they will do very well without my business...).

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/30/2014

    I love you, Au Cheval. You had me at my first step in with your music. The food was frosting on a glorious cake, and you make a Seattle girl so happy, that I'm gonna rave about you when people ask, "Where are the best food spots in Chicago?" If they don't go, well then that's just their dreadful loss. For those who will read this love note to Au Cheval... among their delightful yummy menu, DO NOT LEAVE without trying their fries w/mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried egg.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/22/2014

    If I had a dying wish Au Cheval's single cheese burger with bacon would be it!

    I just went yesterday and it has been a while... they did not disappoint! WOW!!!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/29/2014

    My wife and I have been meaning to go here for a while and were very excited to try it a couple of nights ago. We had to wait for an hour or so, but they took our number and we went and had a drink elsewhere, so the wait wasn't a problem for us. The atmosphere and service were nice although the tables were incredibly close to one another (we ended up having a conversation with the couple next to us).

    We started off with the Matzah Ball Soup. I've had an incredible amount of matzah ball soup in my day of various levels of deliciousness. The flavor of the broth was good and I was happy with the consistency of the matzah ball, but there was just waaaaay too much fresh dill overpowering the entire dish. The salt level was perfect, and were it not for the dill, I think this would have been a very solid dish. Additionally, I despised how the server kept referring to the soup as "The Matzah." Matzah is a different food than Matzah Ball Soup, but perhaps it was just a personal annoyance.

    We both got burgers and shared fries. The burger was probably my second favorite I've had in Chicago (the first is at Fatty's). I got a double, which was the perfect size for me. It was incredibly moist and juicy, and the bun was the perfect choice. I don't in any way mean this as an insult, but I thought it kind of tasted like an upscale version of a burger I might get at a little diner in how moist (and greasy) it was. I loved it. I will be back for another burger. My only complaint about the burger is that I didn't like their pickles (too bread and buttery for me), and I usually love pickles on my burger.

    Now, onto the fries. I am happy to say that these were the BEST fries I've had in Chicago! (And I love fries.) They were the perfect consistency: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The garlic aioli on the side was spectacular. If fries weren't so unhealthy, I would eat these multiple times per week.

    Overall, we had a great experience. I have it at 4 stars due to the overwhelming dill in the soup and the extremely close tables. Perhaps they'll get a 5 update on my return...

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/27/2014
    1 check-in

    This place was on my list for a while, so I was happy to be able to make it over. The place is more of a diner, and it's always packed. I had to wait around for a while before they could seat 1. They have an excellent beer list, with lots of good options. I had some Kolsch and other beers. The menu looked very good, and I had to try to famous burger. It did not disappoint, really awesome burger, and I've had a lot of burgers... The fried chicken looked great too, but I couldn't possibly do both (although the guy sitting next to me at the bar did in fact eat both himself, I was impressed).

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/27/2014
    3 check-ins

    Phenomenal cheeseburgers! Ordered the single and it was definitely more like a double with a perfectly runny egg and thick cut Slice bacon. Also, ordered the fries, really tasty. The aioli sauce was perfectly garlicky. Au cheval burgers could arguably be better than kumas corner, minus the variety. Will definitely come back for more!

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/18/2015

    OMG the environment alone should get you in this place! The place was dimly lit but very welcoming. It was a good feel vibe. I felt like I was in Cheers. I had THE cheeseburger. With the egg and bacon and it was amazing every bite! Yes, I finished it! I Alain had their amazing pork fried  fries with mayo for dipping that had some hint of garlic. All was great. People and food. Must go.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/21/2014

    Best burger in town.
    All the dishes look really.
    Place is a bit loud but perfect if you are looking for an old school kind of join.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/27/2015

    Love for late night drinks and eats...used to be a standby the waits have become unbearable.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/10/2014
    1 check-in

    Came here bc people have been raving about the burger.

    Got the single cheeseburger with fried egg on top ($2 add on) and highly recommend the fried egg if you have never tried it on a burger- makes it oozy and juicy!! Can also add on bacon and it's not your ordinary bacon, but fat slabs of bacon. Was a little messy, but it came with 2 thinner meat Patty's that were flavorful, juicy, and meaty! All the burgers come medium and I thought it was perfectly cooked for me. It was comparable to shake shack burgers, but more upscale.

    Also, got the fries with fried egg and garlic aoli- very delicious!

    highly recommend this place if you are looking for a yummy burger. Get there early bc there's always a line and the place is a little small inside. I would love to try their appetizers and other entrees next time too!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/6/2014

    The ambiance was dark, the space quite small. I went on a rainy Saturday with A friend and there was a 45 minute wait. The staff were completely attentive, and they shot me a text as soon as our table was available. It ended up being a 30 minute wait.

    The bloody Mary here has to be one of my favorites. Just the right kick with so much flavor. My friend and I split a double cheeseburger with bacon and fried egg, and also split crispy fries with aioli. The aioli sauce itself was so addicting.

    **I'll be completely honest here, I'm not a big fan of burgers or fries but I truly enjoyed my meal here. As a cheat meal, it was so worth it!  You can really tell they throw tons of garlic butter and green onion on everything. The flavors were a bit intense but so so delicious! I wouldn't eat here everyday, but I would definitely come back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/27/2014

    Really great late night spot! Had the cheeseburger and chopped vegetable salad, both of which were really tasty and a slightly different interpretation on classic dishes. The cheeseburger came with an amazing piece of thick cut smoky bacon and a fried egg on top- really great flavors and execution. The vegetable salad was more of a shaved salad, which was a nice sized portion with a variety of fresh vegetables. All in all, great place.
    Only downside were the size of the booths. Biggest party they can seat is four unless you have super models in your group. We fit six but it was tight!

  • 1.0 star rating
    11/5/2014

    Well....if I ever had a chance to taste the food then maybe, just maybe I could have added some stars. I stopped in, was greeted by the hostess and then seated at the bar. I sat there for 15-20 minutes completely ignored. Wow...not even something to the effect of "we'll be with you as soon as we can."...nope nothing. The vibe I got was that they are too cool for school. That attitude needs to change or you won't be around no matter how good your food is.

    When telling the hostess that I couldn't wait anymore, the offered up excuse was "we only have one server working."...at 1130am on a weekday in the West Loop? That's hilarious.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/23/2014

    Bone marrow + rye and ginger beer cocktail + extraordinary burger + early-'90s Snoop Dogg = a superlative casual dining experience.

    And that fried bologna is simultaneously one of the strangest and best-tasting sandwiches I've ever come across.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/17/2015

    So the hype is real and warranted.  It took us 4 tries to get into the place, but it was well worth it. Finally lining up right when it opened got us a seat. Manpanion and I shared the cheeseburger with thick cut bacon, a side of bacon, fries, and the salad.  We also had a bloody (which was eh, nothing to write home about) and an iced coffee.  

    The Burger was one of the best!  Ooey gooey and delicious- great meat to bread ratio.   The salad was lightly dressed, laced with herbs and just awesome especially with the thick cut bacon which was  a star!  The fries were like the rest of his restaurants (i.e. gilt)  deliciously  crisp and fried in bacon fat.  The service was great and fast.   Overall a wonderful experience and if we can ever get in again we will be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/10/2014

    Amazeballs!! I'm pretty much repeating what has already been said, but the food, drinks, service, and ambiance are all just perfect.  The wait is the only issue, but everything else is perfection. The Pegu Club cocktail was a great way to start -- light, refreshing and not too sweet.

    My friends and I shared a ton of food: double cheeseburger, raw vegetable salad, crispy fries with mornay sauce and egg, and general jane's honey fried chicken. So delicious and hearty, perfect for keeping us warm in the brutally cold winter.  The cheeseburger was easily the best I have had in my life.

    The Mille Feuille was the perfect ending to our perfect dinner.  I'll definitely be back to try brunch!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/17/2014

    Mind. Blown.

    That burger is incredible. I will never have a burger as good as the bacon + fried egg + cheeseburger ever again.

    Life. Made.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/14/2014

    There's no denying that they make a good burger!  I added the egg and bacon and it was DELICIOUS.  They seemed to have a good selection of beers but being 6 months pregnant skipped that and got a side of fries.  They we're really just that...a side of fries.  Nothing really stood out enough to help me grasp what people were so excited about.  

    *Note: The single burger is two patties.  Also, I definitely recommend stopping outside of prime hours.  I was here after work (5:30 on a Wednesday).  Seating was immediate verses the 2.5 hours quoted when we decided to pass a previous weekend night.

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/16/2015

    This place was cool, burger was good, and great music. Hostess took down our number and two hours later after never receiving a call we headed back and asked the hostess how much longer and he looked and said he texted us a while ago. I never received a text and I am positive he took the wrong number. On the bright side, we were seated immediately. My boyfriend and I had a burger Au Cheval style and ordered fries. Fries we nothing special and the burger was good, but not worth $22 IMO. However my BF absolutely loved it. I would recommend checking it out but I'm not sure I would go back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/2/2014

    They say the good things in life are worth waiting for. Thus, a restaurant with the explosive flavors and chic decor of Au Cheval should be worth waiting a while for. Or in our case, one and a half hours.

    Granted, it was a Friday evening and the restaurant does not take reservations.

    That being said, I would totally accept the long wait time for a chance to dine there again. My date and I ventured out to this hip section of West Loop at my date's recommendation. A lot of pressure falls upon the restaurant recommender, especially on a first date. He passed with flying colors, or should I say "frying" colors after ordering three delicious items from the menu to share.

    The first was a side of thick cut peppered bacon which was absolutely phenomenal. The bacon was tender and marinated in a slightly sweet, slightly peppered glaze that oozed perfection. Perfect to share.

    The second was the General Jane's honey-fried chicken with chile, sesame and cilantro. A spin-off of the traditional Chinese dish, General Tso's chicken, the entrée  was an intense combination of sweet and spicy. The chicken was well cooked and glazed in a sauce that combined notes of honey with the spicy tones of chile peppers. What a kick.

    The third was the crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy. Quite possibly my favorite. It's breakfast-for-dinner done in a chic, sophisticated manner. The combination of the crispiness of the hash browns with the soft and creamy texture of the duck heart gravy was inspiring. Hopefully you have a history of great cholesterol before you indulge in this entrée...

    The modern, dark ambiance of the restaurant is both relaxing and invigorating. A great place to dine and spend your weekend.

    Overall, Au Cheval is now one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in the city of Chicago. The food is fantastic, the ambiance is awesome & the servers are spectacular. Will definitely be dining here again and recommend it to all of my readers!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/15/2015

    OK so they make a great burger.   Seriously does it have the ability to stand up to a burger from the Snuggery?    I was very surprised but yes it it an amazing burger.   Equal to or maybe a little better than the snug ... Snug cheaper and better Cajun fries.   Au Chivau better date place.   Au wins on atmosphere for a date with amazing burgers, snug for watching the hawks and having an amazing burger.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/9/2014

    The bacon is killer!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/24/2015

    Best burgers! Bacon and fries were overhyped but the burgers were super. Love the atmosphere and music!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/30/2015

    Amazing food, bot just the burger but the chiliquiles. The service is a little rude but I dont know if its intentional

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/6/2014

    Food: unapologetically rich. This could be good or bad depending on your tastes. I ordered the burger (honestly dear yelpers, I don't think you need an egg or the bacon in it, unless you want to bring yourself closer to a heart attack! It was already so rich in itself.) and the bacon on the side. The bacon I ordered because of yelp recommendations. I wish I didn't. It's bacon. The burger was good but hello, there was a strand of hair in it. Hurray. Not.

    Service: good at first then terrible towards the end. We waited for the check for so long, I had to STAND UP and actually go to someone at the bar to ASK FOR OUR BILL. This was lunchtime on a Tuesday. I don't care if the restaurant was full. Service should still be good, especially for a place that is known for a 1 to 2 hour wait. Oh, maybe THIS is why there's a 2 hour wait.

    Summary: good food but not worth the wait or the crappy service. Be sure to go work out before or after your meal.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/29/2014

    Hipster paradise.

    In all seriousness I love me some brunch and this place was heaven in my mouth.  I've lived in Chicago for just 4 months, and I've managed to go here twice.  I've been advised by friends to space out my next visit.

    I cannot get over places that serve delicious, tasty, food truly worth every penny. This is the place.  Quality food, drinks and service. Typing about this place makes my mouth water. I recommend at some point sitting at  the bar, so you can see these crafty cooks do their magic.  I think I might have proposed to the frie chick at least 3x, I was just rambling off compliments to her without even a drop of booze.

    Fair warning there might be a line! I've been lucky enough to not have to wait either time.  Enjoy!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/11/2015
    1 check-in

    Great service, food, and beers on tap, but it comes at a price because the place is small and ended up packed on the Saturday afternoon I came in. Leave the kids at home. Not the place for them. Trendy place. I love Chi-Town!!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/28/2015

    Everything is great about this place except for the ridiculous wait time for a table. Enough said.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 1.0 star rating
    11/12/2014

    I would give 0 star if I could.
    I'm not happy with the reception is.  The customer service is really poor that we didn't even want to stay.
    Maybe your business is great so you don't care at all. Maybe it's just a job so you don't care. But it's not right to treat customer this way.

  • 2.0 star rating
    9/20/2014

    Wait time is too long. 2 hrs every time you go. Don't know why management can't change procedure .its just ridiculous and unprofessional . Maybe they need us to stand outside for advertisement   They should either take reservations or expand .
    Waiting for 2 hours is frustrating . This  is not super fancy restaurant where you get awesome food.music is too loud ...

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/8/2015

    You will wait an hour or two no matter the night but the fried eggs, burgers, and fries were worth the wait. Especially the fries with aioli. Plus they will text you ten minutes before your table is ready so you can go roam around or get a drink next door. No regrets!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/8/2015

    Fantastic food and beer! Definitely a hipster hangout. Get there early. Burgers and brats are delish!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/25/2014

    Best cheeseburger of my life.  Get the double with bacon and egg and you will walk away a happy man.

    Also, had the bone marrow.  It was extremely rich, but oh so buttery delicious.

    When in Chicago, GO!  It was entirely worth the hour wait.

  • 1.0 star rating
    3/3/2015

    Dude, one of the most overrated Burgers in Chicago, if not the US. Last time I was in Chicago on business, went to Au Cheval. To sum it up in three words, A HOT MESS. Sloppy, greasy, wet bun Burger with little flavor. Maybe it was an off night, but my experience left little reason to want to go back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/6/2014

    Entered Au Chavel, very dark but light enough to see people at your table. Good music and tight space so the vibe is active but not too fancy.

    We ordered the chopped salad w/ HUGE pieces of their famous bacon. Heavy with the ranch, but a decent appetizer to begin the night. Also had two beers, they have a great selection. Had the fries, great garlic aioli, but if you want some ketchup you have to ask :). The waiter warned us not to put the ketchup on the burger, so when we got it (with egg and bacon), the first bite was so juicy and filling. The flavors burst in your mouth, but as you continue eating it... it keeps getting heavier and heavier. And mind you, that we (my fiancee and I) were splitting it.

    Overall, I probably won't go again because our preference isn't for the burger to be too heavy. But definitely worth checking out and be very hungry before you go!

    PS - on a Wednesday night we had to wait for an hour (we got there at six)

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/23/2014 Updated review
    5 check-ins

    Still one of my favorite high cholesterol places in the city. Come to indulge, but leave beyond satisfied! I finally had the burger after all these years & it definitely lives up to the hype. Get the fries with the fried egg! The brunch menu is different from dinner though. So no luck in getting my favorite chicken for brunch. That means you have to come back for dinner!

    5.0 star rating
    12/17/2012 Previous review
    Go Go Go!! Stop reading this & just go!! Trust me! Directions:
    #1 sit at the bar, trust me. U can…
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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/27/2015

    The burger is truly great and worth the hype. It's just a classic burger, so if that's what you're in the mood for, this is the place to get it. Don't expect anything crazy like from Little Goat or Kuma's. I was personally blown away by how good the bone marrow was; best bone marrow I've had in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/30/2014

    For a group of 6 we only waited about 30 min (not too bad), that being said the seating was pretty cramped (3 people cramped into a 2 person booth on both sides).

    Got the single burger on the hash brown bun with bacon and fried egg. It was bye yummy. Maybe not quite worth the $18 price tag, but  I would definitely recommend for a one time adventure.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/8/2015

    Hands down, best burger of my life.

    Notes/Tips:  
    -They don't take reservations and the wait is long, so put your name on the list, go to one of the nearby restaurants for an appetizer and a drink to wait (especially in cold weather).
    -The french fries are fried in pork fat/grease.
    -The egg is a must.  

    Enjoy!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/11/2014

    I was really and honestly expecting to be underwhelmed with Au Cheval.  When a place is as hyped up as this little joint is, I expect it to fall flat in some aspect.  But, entering Au Cheval is like wandering into a little slice of heaven with good hip-hop on the PA.
    The host and servers were all bright, professional, and personable and somehow managed to move about the rather cramped space of the dining room without bumping into anything.  And, believe me, that's a feat as the tables are packed in pretty tight in the back.  The interior is dark even with the windows lining the wall, and the overall tone is relaxed and easygoing.
    My wife and I are on a life-long burger odyssey and Chicago offers a lot of fare.  I'd heard the burger at Au Cheval was best in the city but was skeptical, so we both ordered a single (mine with bacon and egg, hers only bacon).  They arrived with surprising speed and with equal speed were assembled and eaten.  No fries, no frills, get in there and crush it.
    And, I have to say, the proponents were right.  The Au Cheval single was one of the most decadent, savory, and amazing things I've ever eaten.  The bacon was thick as a plank and perfectly cured, the egg was absolutely pristine, and somehow the non-pretzel bun held up to it all.  It was an astoundingly good burger that definitely warrants another trip.

    Visit time: 5:00pm on a Thursday.  Seated immediately and had a beer in my hand in five minutes with no lags in service at all.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/15/2015

    Almost impossible to get in during prime hours, but once you do, this place is something special. Best burger I've had outside of NYC and it still may even top that!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/19/2014
    1 check-in

    We had a late night venture here and I absolutely love the atmosphere of this place! They had the best has browns I have ever tasted! They were cooked perfectly! The ice cream flavors were ok, maybe it was because I could not stop thinking about the hash browns! My friend ordered the pastrami sandwich and it was good, just not my style.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/28/2013

    Here's the thing.  The burgers here are delicious.  Total hangover burger, but I'm not sure if they're worth the price, let alone the wait.  Oh believe me, I'm no stranger to waiting.  Hell, when the hostess said "an hour to an hour and fifteen" I ignored the shaking of the head followed by the "no" from behind me and put my name on the list "just in case".  I figured we'd walk down to Porkchop and see what their quoted time was.

    No need.  The hostess was awesome and ended up saying to wait a minute, inquired about a table and had us seated right away.  Sure, it was right by the kitchen and small, but it was better than waiting an hour+ for a table 2ft away.  

    The food was good.  Their burgers are confusing.  A double is 3 patties, which means a single must be 2.  If you order bacon on it, count on thinking you're now eating 4 patties.  No joke.  No wonder a side of bacon is $9, shit is huge!  The fries were average, although that garlic aioli was great.  My favorite were the smashed potatoes and gravy.  I rarely order mashed potatoes, but do yourself a favor and get an order of these.

    The burgers were greasy.  I was happy, since I was still nursing a hangover (despite it being 7pm), but for the price I felt I could go to a greasy spoon diner and get it for 3/4 of the cost with the same taste!  Assuming you know the right diner....

    The staff was friendly, and surprisingly attentive.  The decor was cool.  Reminded me of Scofflaw without the pretentious cocktails.  The beer list is adequate, if you're still newish to craft beer.  I'd go again, but I definitely would not wait more than 15 mins.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/27/2013
    1 check-in

    As usual with places like this, I was expecting it to be more overrated than Paul Walkers death. But I enjoyed it. However I don't think I'd wait the hour and a half we almost did. There were only two of us, so we were actually seated right away at a small table in a cramped area. Not very comfortable.

    To sum it up quickly: really good food, but too small and crowded. If you aren't sure what to expect like me, think dimly lit bistro meets greasy spoon diner. The setup, and in some areas the food of a diner, but more much more elegant. They were bumping 90's rap music, so that's where the amorous ambiance ends.

    The menu ranges from standard fare to slightly unique. I ordered the double burger (here double means triple, regular means double. Don't ask me) with bacon. The bacon itself was nearly as thick as one hamburger patty. The burger was hella good, albeit very greasy. I tried both the fries (comes with an awesome dipping sauce) and mashed potatoes. Both were excellent. Things are a bit pricey, but at least you won't leave still hungry.

    If you're in the mood to try something a little quirky but good, add this to your list.

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/24/2014

    If hype is your thing, and airhead hostesses are your turn-ons then by all means wait the three hours! We did for nothing. Talking to an idiot at the front door 3-4 times who seemed to forget what was going on and that she was working (and her sidekicks were the same little sort of dummies) is  cool if you are a chaser chasing down the best new burger which in the end since other friends were seated was - you know - a freaking burger.

    We were glad to have great beer and wonderful cocktails next door. That place is awesome.

    For me, Certainly I will try this place when I can do more than wait 3 hours and not have to waste time chatting with morons. Until then, I will go other places who make basically the same food.

    Same as the other guys and same as those other guys. That's the menu. This is what cracks me up. Chasing the "hype" you forget that there are some wonderful places doing 98% the same thing. After all that wait for nothing and having our friends report back that their experience was "just like all the other BUZZ places." How original.  

    This is not NYC. Who cares if your buddy was on some dumb chef show? Really? Why wait? Why bother? One must stop and ask what exactly is being prepared, and "put an egg on it" is about as mundane these days as "put a bird on it" was 2 years ago.

    Chase on, chase on.

    I won't bother.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/4/2014

    Nice experience here.  I showed up for a table at 6pm on a Monday.... and it was packed!  They don't take reservations and I was honestly astonished by the amount of people already waiting so early on such a random day.  No seats at the bar, no tables.  Having said that, the host told me it would be a 45 minute wait, we walked over to another bar, and he texted 5 minutes later saying our table was ready.  Seems they exaggerate the wait for some reason, as others have noted this.

    The cocktail menu was a bit limited but they had a nice selection of beers, even some affordable options, like a tall can of PBR.  Whiskey shots are on sale every day, so we promptly had those!

    I was looking forward to the burger as I'd been told by many people it was the best in Chicago.  It was delicious after all; perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the bacon was excellent.  The fries and garlic aoli were also yummy.

    I have to say that I may have agreed with the other reviewers and said it was the best... it's better than Kuma's, at least, but I had just been to the new Umami Burger in Wicker Park a few days before, and I'm sorry, Umami won this fight.

    Still, it was a delicious meal and they had a lot of intriguing items on the menu, so I'll definitely be back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/14/2014

    The Fulton Market Area ended up being my dinner spot for the past few nights. Every night ended with a food bang and this night was no less. Au Cheval was not on our radar at first, but was recommended by our bartender at The Office. She does not crave for burgers, but she craves this one. I had to set out and investigate this matter.

    Au Cheval was a lot more popular than previously thought. It was the feeling that everyone who was hip was here. Interior looks like this place was formerly a 50's style diner with bar stools and booths. With a 1.5 hour wait on a Saturday night, we investigated into first come bar stools and lo and behold, there are 5 unassigned but highly contended seats. A couple others already knew this and were hovering as we were. With the luck of the Irish, we scored 2 after about 30 minutes.

    -=-Burger, Foie Gras Added-=- So it seems my Chicago trip can also be labeled as a foie gras extravaganza. The California ban forces me into this situation of splurging purging then splurging, and this night the crowning jewel would be this burger with a foie gras spread. It was 9 dollars extra charge which was probably good for the shock factor, but I could see better ways to get my foie/dollar. Regardless, this burger was heavenly. Highlights go to the flavorful beef patty which was medium rare and extra juicy. I could say it's comparable to the best burgers in Los Angeles, the self proclaimed "undisputed burger capital of the world." Sodas were all canned. A bit of a letdown, but I do believe that they'd rather you try the beers.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/12/2015

    We headed over to Au Cheval after enjoying a can of Yoho Wednesday Cat at Lone Wolf next door. After you get over its "we will survive with or without you so it's your call whether you want to wait an hour or not" greeting (welcome to the new cooler than River North West Loop, get over it) and cramped quarters, Au Cheval proved to be worth the queue. Drinks hit the spot, the raw veggie salad was refreshing, the fries and aioli addictive, and the"single" burger is a really a double patty...and the "double" is a triple decker. Add egg and bacon and you have yourself a $16 masterpiece. God Bless America and its French-named burger joints. The West Loop, Randolph St and Hogsalt continue to impress.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/25/2014
    1 check-in

    It was Thursday night closing in on 10pm and everything was shutting down in downtown, I guess it's a mid west thing.  Luckily, we decided to cab it over to Au Cheval and a cranky hungry couple had our frowns instantly turned upside down.  

    Firstly, it's open till 1am which helps people like me who can never decide what to eat before everything closes.  However be prepared to wait, they told us it was an hour wait but that was a bit of an exaggeration, we were seated a lot sooner.  The staff is all extremely friendly, the people working the host, waitress, bartender, and waiter were extremely friendly and helpful, major points for that.

    Now onto the food.  I got the cheeseburger with a fried egg and it was juicy, rich,  and sumptuous.  Believe the hype, highly recommended.  We also got General Jane's Fried Chicken which was extremely good also.  However these are more like chicken wings than fried chicken.  We didn't get any breast or thigh pieces.  Still though, really good flavor... kinda reminded me of Korean Fried Chicken.  

    I really wish I was in Chicago more to explore the menu further.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/8/2015

    The hashbrown burger is a gift to the world.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/31/2015

    Most of chicago's hot spots are a once in a while affair; however, for some reason, this place remains a regular go to. The food is most definitely on the heavier side (foie gras eggs, bone marrow, fried bologna sandwich, etc.), but that doesn't mean it's not delicious! Because it is. The cocktails and beer are on point too, classical, local, and obscure selections to suit any taste. One of the best bloodies in the city. And the burgers are second to none.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/3/2014

    Outstanding restaurant. Service was great - although as everyone else notes, be sure to get your reservation in early (and like us, go have a drink upstairs at Maude's just a block away while you're waiting) and be prepared to wait a bit. I had the cheeseburger with a fried egg on tap, and date had the ham & cheese fondue sandwich - both were absolutely delicious and incredibly rich - alongside an order of fries. Probably the best meal I ate while in Chicago for the holidays.

    Overall with a few drinks (very good drink menu as well) each and food, the bill was very reasonable for such great quality. Absolutely will be back again!

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/5/2014

    Any words I write in this review are inadequate compared to the decadent and delicious food here.   To keep it simple, the best burger and fried chicken I have ever had in my life.  Absolutely outstanding.  It's worth all the time in the world to come here for dinner.  If you hate waiting, then come at an obscure time, do what ever you can to get this food in your life.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/10/2014

    Had lunch at this place last Thursday for my birthday and was quite impressed.

    A very busy place at 1:30 for lunch, but we were cordially greeted, seated at the only table open and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, from the beverages to the food and the dessert and waiters singing happy BD.  Great cheeseburger and great smashed potatoes!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/10/2014

    A long wait but worth it.  The burger was really great as was the fries with egg, aollie, and cheese, plus the pickle. But I do think Kumas is just a little better...

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/27/2014

    Pretty good without being TOO expensive considering it's in the west loop.

    Here's my standard breakdown, enjoy.

    Food:
    You can tell the menu has been prepared by some gal or guy who has been slaving in the food service industry for 20 years because it's really pretty tasty.  The burgers are good and all their fancy shit like confit is masterfully seasoned and textured.

    Drink:
    The beer is beer.  Every damn bar has a craft beer selection these days, so its beer selection is par with the 800 other hip bars in Chicago.  The cocktails are pretty good, not the best I've ever had, but  "7/10 would put in my face again".

    Ambiance:
    Standard "I'm upper middle class and live in the West Loop" decor and crowd.  I.e. expensive cherry wood laid against fancypants brick.  Crowd == business casual folk talking about investment portfolios.

    So after I left, I didn't turn to my date and say "OH DAMN BABY, I'M READY FOR YOU NOW", but I did say "so that was better than average eh?" and she said "yeah, that's right".

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/20/2014
    1 check-in

    Unassuming and out of the way this place makes the ordinary extraordinary. Great beers on tap, stellar menu, inviting and competent staff, boisterous incidental music playing on reel to reel, and a sexy open kitchen makes this joint one of the best casual restaurants in Chicago if not in the states in general. Come early or late... Not a well kept secret.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/9/2015

    Best burger. Hands down!

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/1/2014

    So, I'm a little on the fence here. We knew this place was popular. It was a Friday. We came at lunch and the wait was over an hour. Then, when we finally got seated, it was another 15-20 minutes or so for our burgers. Don't get me wrong -the burgers are pretty good. Everyone was super friendly and accommodating. So, I get why this place is popular. It has a really cool, kind of "rock star" vibe. There was music playing, and a lot of local (meaning downtown workers) off already having a beer (lucky bastards). If you go -I would definitely try to go at an off time due to the wait. The irony is that when we left around 1:30pm or so, there was no line. So our idea to get there early was an epic fail. Go for a late lunch and you will not wait and will not be disappointed by the food.

    I would definitely come back during a less busy time and then update my review accordingly. I just wish the wait wasn't so excruciatingly long, as we try to keep our lunch to an hour. Otherwise, the service, vibe and food were really good!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/19/2015

    We had a fabulous meal at Au Cheval, and have every time we've been there. Tonight was something special though - a birthday celebration for someone very dear to us; and we finally had that 32-oz pork porterhouse. It was out of this world! (You have to reserve this ahead of time - they only make one per day Mon-Thur and two per day on the weekend, if I remember correctly). Also had the roasted bone marrow, which is delicious. It was a great meal and a wonderful evening all the way around.  Many thanks to Erika for help in setting up our celebration for our family member (and for the wonderful dessert surprise at the end of the meal). We had a great time!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/22/2014

    I loved the food here, party of four plus a kid and we all were very happy.

    It is not so kid friendly, but that might make this place a six star venture for some.  Note there are no high chairs or booster seats and only one or two foods that little kids can eat solo (fries and mashed potatoes).  However all staff were more than accommodating and nice to the kid in our party so I was very satisfied despite a tyke crawling all over us.

    Salad with ranch, egg, and bacon was delightful.  Delicious non-alcoholic drinks, I especially enjoyed $2 home made lemonade.  Loved the burgers, pickles, fries, garlic aioli.  Adored the mashed potatoes.  

    It was a quick dinner and the staff was really great.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/3/2014

    I went for brunch and shared a bunch of food with two of my friends. Everything was amazing. The ambiance was busy but not snobby in any way.

    Spinach, blue cheese, and caramelized onion omelette - this was the softest fluffiest omelette I have ever had. The combo of the blue cheese and caramelized onions was great.

    Crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy - the potatoes were perfectly cooked and you clearly cannot go wrong with gravy.

    Foie gras and scrambled eggs - although I definitely enjoyed this dish, I felt that the caramelized onions overpowered the foie gras.

    Thick-cut peppered bacon - to die for. Best bacon I've had in my life.

    Fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried farmed egg - delicious, and the two sauces work well together.

    Great experience. I would definitely come back the next time I'm in Chicago.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/7/2014

    I have lost count of how many times these guys have had me return. This upscale diner is just amazing on every level.

    They definitely have the best burger I have ever had in Chicago. I will defend this opinion with absolute servility. You must get it with the egg and bacon; you will not be disappointed. The bologna sandwich is equally as great (savory tho a bit on the salty side but absolutely delicious), I almost always take one to go. Really you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

    No Reservations + Amazing Food = Large Crowds & Purgatory Wait Times. It would be best for you get there early and/or be prepared to wait. Though you can get seated pretty quickly during lunch hours and if you head on over around 10pm during the work week.

    With regards to service, you'll be well taken care of. I would ask to be seated in Erin's section if possible, even if that means waiting longer. I absolutely love her!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/2/2014
    1 check-in

    After a cold but victorious outdoor Blackhawks Stadium Series game over Pittsburgh last night we needed a bite to eat. Au Cheval seemed like the right fit having never been and boasting a menu with some tempting dishes and drinks. We made it there just before midnight on Saturday and the wait was short, bonus.

    We shared the bone marrow with beef cheek marmalade, foie gra scrambled eggs and toast, and the double cheeseburger. The marrow was our favorite, it was tasty and the accompanied beef cheek marmalade had a nicely balanced sweetness. The foie eggs were rich but went so well together I imagined how gluttonous this combo could make my Sunday breakfast. The burger was good all around but not necessarily a contender among Chicago burger offerings. We also had the Strange Brew which had an interesting seesaw between the pineapple juice and IPA, the Bloody Mary that was just alright and unfortunately came with sweet pickle slices rather than sour, and a nice and hoppy IPA of which the name escapes me.

    Overall the experience was great. The dishes while not cheap were satisfying due to quality and portion, especially the foie scrambled eggs. The staff was helpful, courteous, and prompt. It was a tad dim making it a little difficult to see the menu as well as the darker components of the meal, a shame because you should be able to read a menu without using their candles and actually see what you are eating. Great food, so why hide it?

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/2/2014

    Delicious. Great place for breakfast & lunch.

    Good service.

    Be prepared for a bit of a wait.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/11/2015

    Incredible atmosphere and great wait staff.  Three words sum it up; BEST BURGER EVER.  Worth the standard 2-hour wait time.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/25/2015

    Service is great, as is the space (especially the open kitchen seats). The thick-cut bacon is fantastic, but the signature cheeseburgers were a little disappointing. Everyone raves, but they're really simple. While the prep and cooking of what's there is fantastic, the flavors are not super complex or adventurous (or sustainably interesting). That said, still easily a 4+ star experience.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/10/2015

    Best burger in the city. Went at lunch, was told it would be a half hour wait but we were seated within 10 minutes. It's loud and small inside. Service was not great. Had to flag down the waiter to place our order and also to get the check. Other servers tried to help but it caused confusion. For example, after giving our credit card to our server to pay, another server gave us another table's check. The burger is worth it though.

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    9/27/2014
    1 check-in

    One of the best places in chicago to grab a burger.  The place is small and you have to wait awhile to be seated but it's totally worth it. The bar is basically in the kitchen so you see all the hard and delicious work being freshly made. I had the single cheeseburger it's big and has two patties so don't get the double cause it's bigger lol. And this place also closes at 1am if you need to sober up with a delicious burger

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/4/2014
    2 check-ins

    Au Cheval is now my go-to traditional burger place.

    I went there alone on a cold Thursday night. Got seated at the bar instantly, so that was nice. Got a simple single (which came with double patties) cheeseburger with an egg on top ($10 + $2 for the egg). At first, I was surprised at how cheap it was for a gourmet burger, but keep in mind that a burger here doesn't come with fries which is like $6 extra. The beer list was reasonably priced and interesting. My waiter was fine, but I wasn't looking for attentive service when I was just sitting at the bar eating, drinking, and reading. I sat next to the manager's area. not really sure what he does, but he seemed to be in charged. He wipes plates and makes sure the presentation is good before giving the plates to the waiters. The manager was very cold and blunt when I asked him questions about the food that's coming out which gave me a very negative impression of their usual service.

    My cheeseburger was pretty damn good. It's simply just a basic cheeseburger done well. I think comparing Au Chevel to places like Three Aces/Owen and Engine isn't fair since their burger are so different. I think they use frozen processed burger patties.... which is surprising given how good the burger tasted. I also got the gelato for desserts because their other dessert option is like $12 and huge for one person. The peppermint was light and refreshing but the vanilla was way too sweet. My total bill came out to be $30 something for a burger, a beer, and 2 scoops of gelato.

    I think my favorite part of Au Cheval besides the cheeseburger was the ambiance. I felt like I was in the meatpacker's district; something too "cool" for Chicago. It was warm yet hip; a great date place.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/13/2014
    1 check-in

    The Burgers are AMAZING . The flavor was all there and the toppings were not so over bearing like some other burger joints. You can add an egg or bacon or just have it as is. The fries are also delicious , and they give you a side of a garlic aoli type dip. The ambiance is intimate and they play VERY good music (hip hop) so overall it was relaxed. You can go straight to the bar if you don't want to wait for a table otherwise wait times average at about an hour/hour and a half. Good thing is there are plenty of nearby places to go to if you decide to wait. Overall had a great experience here and parking wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/16/2015

    I knew I would have to wait on a Saturday. Three hours was a bit much. We got the roasted bone marrow and beef cheek marmalade for an app and this was beyond delicious and so full of flavor. We all got the burger for dinner. While it was good, it was not the amazing to-die-for experience I was prepared to have. Worth trying but not the best of the best.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/30/2014

    GO!! JUST GO!!
    My favorite brunch spot
    Get the single or double Burger!!!The burgers here are amazing. Melt-in-your-damn-mouth amazing. Best hours is right before they open at brunch around 10ish. If you decided to go after be prepared to wait 2 hours !!!!!!! it's worth waiting !!!!
    One more thing coffee there is beyond amazing!

  • 2.0 star rating
    2/14/2015

    Two servers refused to take drink orders, bartender gave us cold shoulder.  Bologna sandwich, fries and even salad were wayyy to salty.  Burger was good but overshadowed by saltiness of other food.  Was expecting a flawless experience due to almost all 4 and 5 star reviews.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/11/2014
    1 check-in

    Damn, this is a good burger!  Worth the wait...on off peak times...hah.  We waited close to an hour, but were able to go to a bar close by and have them call us when they had a table ready.  Not too bad on a nice summer night.  This burger can get pricey quick with all of the add-ons, but you seriously can NOT not get bacon...that would be a sin.  It's SO good!!  Normally, I would give 4 stars because of price and wait, but the service was above and beyond.  I was in my first trimester when I ate here and totally forgot to ask for my burger to be well done (as I like medium rare) and when it came, I saw that it was kinda pink even though it's pretty dark in there. I explained to our waitress my ordeal and told her since I forgot that it's OK to take it back and cook it longer....but noooo, that would ruin everything so she gave me a brand new burger with no fuss or attitude.  Super thumbs up!!  I'm sure one of the staff enjoyed my delicious mistake anyway...so its a win win and a 5 start from me!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/4/2014

    Everyone in Chicago has a place they claim has the best burger. While I can't say I've been to them all, I've been to a lot. Au Cheval has the best burger in Chicago.

    First off be prepared to wait. However, like most reviews on here they will overestimate your wait. We got there at 6:30pm on a Friday night and they told us 2.5-3 hours. But if you know going in you're going to have to wait it's OK. They will take your phone number and you can go over to The Lone Wolf or Haymarket and have a beer. The Lone Wolf is the only place in Chicago that I know of that has Zombie Dust on tap.

    After about 2 hours we went back to the restaurant to see our status. The hostess told us she was about to text us, and we got seated right then. Wait was only 2 hours and it wasn't bad. We got to sit at the counter which is cool if you have a party of 2.

    Get the burger. I'm getting sick of this specialty burgers with 100s of toppings and 18 types of buns and different meats. A single is a double and a double is a triple. They won't ask you how you want your burger cooked or what kind of cheese you want. They will ask if you want a fried egg or bacon. For the love of God get bacon. It's not a strip of overcooked breakfast bacon. It's 2 thick cut strips of the most amazing peppered bacon ever. It's an extra $3.5 or something like that but well worth it. The burger is pretty cheap itself.

    The fries are also amazing. We didn't get the fried egg fries, just the standard fries with garlic aioli.

    The burger was perfectly cooked and the bacon added another element that was incredible. I've been to Kuma's and this place beats Kuma's easily.

    Bottom line: It's worth the wait. It's not expensive. It's the best burger in Chicago period.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/1/2015

    Came here when visiting Chicago with friends. Had to get the burger- though nothing else on the menu really appealed to me anyway. The single burger comes with 2 patties, cheese, aioli, and your choice of fried egg or bacon as add-ons. I got mine without the egg or bacon and it was really good. Not the best burger I've ever had, and I wish they had told me about the aioli since I would have asked for it without, but overall pretty good. Not quite worth all the hype, but would recommend.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/11/2015
    1 check-in

    Nothing like coming off a night shift and getting a burger at Au Cheval. Good food, good music, and drinking at the Lone Wolf afterward.  Au Cheval makes a homemade bologna that's pretty awesome, don't be scared!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/4/2014

    I will keep this simple.

    You must go here.

    The best burger you have ever had is waiting for you.

    Enough said.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/15/2013
    1 check-in

    I know, I know - I'm probably one of the last Chicagoans to dine at Au Cheval, but I finally made it over. With that being said, the food is absolutely incredible and is totally worth all the hype!

    My group of friends and I made our way over to Au Cheval around 5ish because we've heard horror stories about how long the wait can be. Luckily for us, we beat the rush and were able to snag a comfy booth next to the entrance. The atmosphere is warm, vibrant and lively. They even have their own playlist of music that plays on this funky-vintage-mechanical apparatus.

    The concept of Au Cheval is pretty much a French twist on class American diner fare.  The name 'Au cheval' in French means 'on horseback,' but in culinary terms it means 'egg on top.' Everything on the menu looked great so it was a challenge to decide, but we ended up ordering:

    CRISPY FRIES + MORNAY +GARLIC AIOLI + FRIED EGG
    Anything with a fried egg on top is a no-brainer. The fries were crispy on the outside and creamy inside plus they are fried in beef fat! How can you go wrong with that!? The sauces were just as amazing. The mornay was thick and creamy while the aioli was smooth and tangy. Perfect pairings for the fries!

    HAM & CHEESE FONDUE + FRIED EGG
    This dish was just as impressive with its ooey gooey buttery cheesy goodness along with generous slivers of ham all broiled until golden brown. As if that wasn't enough, it's topped with yet another fried egg (see the theme?) The dish is served with several slices of buttery brioche Texas toast as a vehicle to eat the fondue. The bread was so good we asked for more!

    DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER + FRIED EGG
    Note: a single burger is two patties and a double is three - odd I know, but whatevs. I knew I had to try this out after discovering that Bon Appetit (yes, you read that right) named Au Cheval's burger as the best in the country. I know dem some fighting words, but it was everything I expected and more - the patties are thin, but they're cooked and seasoned perfectly with the crispy bits of the exterior while the inside was moist. The rich and buttery brioche bun complemented the burger well. It's served with  homemade pickles, red onion and dijonnaise. I also added a fried egg = no-brainer, duh (only $1 more, YOLO).

    FRIED BOLOGNA SANDWICH:
    This B-O-L-O-G-N-A ain't the stuff you saw on those Oscar Mayer commercials. My friend ordered this and from what I tasted, it was frekin' delicious. The sandwich is stacked high with homemade bologna and oozing cheese that they need to be secured with skewers. Definitely remembered flavors, but so much better than I remember!

    MILLE FEUILLE
    Although we were in dire need of doggy bags and a bed, we opted for dessert! Our server Kaycie described the mille feuille as eating a cloud - she had us at cloud. It was stacked high with luscious vanilla cream sandwiched between layers of puff pastry. And to our surprise, our server took the knife and chopped it in half with one fell swoop, which was quite the spectacle. Needless to say, it was delicious and we did everything, but lick the plate. Great way to end such a heavy but satisfying meal.

    Every part of our experience was phenomenal. Service was spot on from our server to the bussers - Kaycie did a great job offering suggestions, answer questions and checking on us despite the hoards of people. Our glasses were always filled and plates were cleared in a timely fashion. She even let us split the bill a billion ways, which we appreciated. Parking in this area can be hit or miss so just drive around in circles and you're bound to find a spot. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend trying it out it for yourself! I know I'll definitely be back soon!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/30/2014

    Interesting food, great drinks and great atmosphere. The reel to reel tape machine for the music is a nice touch. The menu is always changing, and the food is not for someone on a diet, to say the least. Its upscale comfort food, which is usually not my thing but Au Cheval does such a great job with it.

    Order the Bloody Mary. Best I've ever had. My friend who hates bloody marys even had to agree that this one was good.

  • 2.0 star rating
    3/3/2015

    Don't believe the hype! The burger was good, but not worth the long wait. The place is too small and they don't have an adequate space for those waiting to be seated.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/17/2013
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chicago

    I came on a Saturday night around 630pm and I was surprised to only find a 5 minute wait for a group of 4. The largest party they can sit is 6, so they split our party of 8 into two.

    I ordered the crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy and it was delicious. Never had anything quite like it before and the gravy certainly made this dish special.

    I also tried some of the chicken wings, which had ginseng on it, giving it an Asian spin to it. The size of the wings were huge and all my friends who ordered seemed to have trouble finishing it.

    Our server convinced us to order a dessert that was suppose to taste like a cloud, but ended up being kind of flaky/crunchy. For some reason, our server had the brilliant idea of chopping the dessert into two with a knife, which caused the top of our dessert to land onto the table. She didn't even bother to apologize and just said "oops".

    4 star food quality
    2 stars for poor service

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/31/2014
    4 check-ins

    I've heard so much about the burgers at Au Cheval. After months of putting it off, I finally got myself here and experienced it. We came in around 6pm on Thursday; I barely got a sip of the beer I ordered at the bar before we were seated at a table. I was impressed by their use of space and how quickly we got a table, but I will say that the tables were a liiiittle too close to each other. The server kept bumping into my chair and a few times when he would lean in to give the table next to us food, his butt would bump into my arm :/

    I don't know how math works here, but the single burger comes with two juicy patties, while the double comes with three. The burgers are topped with delicious, thinly sliced pickles and a dijon mayonnaise. They're served with a pickle spear and stabbed through the middle with a steak knife. I recommend getting a side of fries to share; it's a big portion. That is served with a garlic aioli, which was too garlicky for my dining companion, but perfect to me (though it did require an extra mint post dinner).

    I will definitely return and will do my best to try the other items on the menu, though I can also see myself just getting a burger each time I'm here.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/12/2015

    Lives up to they hype, worth the wait.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/21/2013

    4.5 stars, need to revisit before giving it 5. Came here on a weeknight with a friend around 10pm, seated immediately.

    Single cheeseburger w/bacon and egg ($9.95, bacon +$3.50, egg +$1. Total $14.45) - 4.5 stars. One of the best burgers I've ever had. Comes with a pickle. No fries. I'll have to try it again before giving it 5 stars..

    General Jane's honey-fried chicken ($17.95) - 4.25 stars. Sweet & sticky ginger marinade. Reminds me of Korean chicken wings, gampoongi.

    Fries w/aioli ($5.95) - 4 stars. Crispy, delicious, well-salted, but pricey.

    I will return.. !

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/9/2014

    Their burger with bacon and egg is my favorite in Chicago. So perfectly balanced, creamy, and.. pretty. The bone marrow is a pretty generous portion. It's definitely large enough for more than 2 people to share. The fries with garlic aioli is really yummy, too. The second time I stopped by, they were out of the matzoh ball soup.. bummer. On a weekday night around 5:30pm, there was a 20 minute wait for a table for 2. On a Sunday at 10pm, there was no wait to sit at the bar. I will definitely be back for their burger and also to try the matzoh ball soup.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/13/2014
    1 check-in

    Let me start off by saying that THE WAIT IS WORTH IT.

    Au Cheval is amazing. The dishes are so different and some even sound intimidating when read on the menu, but don't be! Don't leave Au Cheval without trying

    - roasted marrow bones, beef cheek marmalade and toast
    - foie gras, scrambled eggs and toast (SO GOOD)
    - and the cheeseburger, of course!

    Service is pretty great too. I'd go here every week, if I could!

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/23/2014

    Simply put, Au Cheval cheese burger with egg and bacon was the best burger I've ever eaten. You've got to be in the right mood for it though as it is quite rich. I went with a friend for her birthday and we split that alongside the crispy chicken and a side of fries. The burger and the fries could have been enough to split on their own.

    I'm not generally a fan of asian ginger sauces, but the fried chicken at Au Cheval blew my mind. Perfectly crisp, so flavourful and a hefty portion. The fries were awesome too... can't go wrong with fries in duck fat.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/14/2014 Updated review

    When you got it, you got it, and Au Cheval's still got it.  Took probably my 10th or 12th person here for their first time a few weeks ago, and I've yet to have anyone not love it.

    I've recently gotten into ordering the raw vegetable salad, it's the perfect way to start if you ask me!

    5.0 star rating
    8/23/2013 Previous review
    I've been here at least half a dozen times now and each time everything is fantastic. FANTASTIC!

    To…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    2/8/2014

    This place is ok but not great... The butter and bread pickles are oddly sweet in flavor. The chili con carne with corn chips was tasty and flavorful. The waitress was nice but oddly enough when the bus boy came to retrieve our plates he gave me a weird attitude when I asked him for a to go container. Hey If i have left overs, you bet I'm taking them home! My experiences here was a weird one. I probably wont be back...

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/6/2014
    1 check-in

    I'm a big burger fan.. and once i heard about the burger here and saw the pics on yelp.. i knew i would have to come and give it a try!

    i ordered the double cheeseburger with fried egg.. i thought it was average only.. maybe because i didn't get the thick cut bacon? but judging by the patties, in my opinion it is lacking flavor..

    also tried the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli and fried farm egg.. the fries is decent but its the sauce that made it good..

    i give this place a 2 1/2 stars.. i will be back to give the burger another shot except this time with the bacon.. hopefully it will change my mind about this place and give it a higher rating..

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/6/2014

    Everyone freaks out about the burger (which is delicious), but try the bologne sandwich.  Sounds gross and feels like you're reliving your unhealthy elementary school years, but it will vastly surpass your expectations.  Juicy and full of flavor!  Also get there at 10:30am for brunch (which opens at 11) and you should get seated in the first round.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/3/2015

    AAAAMAZING! Service was amazing from the time you walk in until you leave. When I walked in was asked for my cell number so they can call me when my table is ready. You don't have to stand around and just wait. The burger was perfect and so was the cheese ham dish we ordered. I would highly recommend this place.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/14/2015

    Well first things first, I walked in and it smelled AWESOME. I did so to leave my name because I knew the wait would be long. The host was very nice both when I gave my info and when I came back with my brother and Mom. We all had the single (which is really two patties, I love their logic!) cheeseburger and the fries with mornay sauce and garlic aoli topped with a fried egg... Everything delicious. Our waiter was a redhead whose name I didn't catch. He was great AND knew the correct pronunciations of weird stuff like Weihenstephan! The musical play list was on point as well,  if a bit loud. They could stand to lower it a bit. Honestly though,  a minor quibble for a great establishment. I'm definitely coming back but during dinner hours so I can try the smashed potatoes that my brother and a chatty regular at the bar both assured me are heavenly.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/29/2014

    Chicago can very easily lay claim to being the best burger city in the world. Being from the south side, Top Notch Beefburgers has always been held up as the gold standard. Now it has company. Au Cheval's burgers are phenomenal. So good, in fact, that they do not require, let alone put it out on the table, ketchup or mustard. The cheddar cheese is perfectly gooey and and adds a nice bite to the burger. The buns are not too thick yet are big enough to hold everything inside. And finally, it comes dressed with pickles because every sandwich is better with pickles. Simply, Au Cheval makes perfect burgers.
    The ambiance is great. The place is set up like a classic diner with a counter and very few tables. You can watch them prepare your food from behind the counter. Music is always played at a perfect level, not too loud and not too quiet. I wanted to know who made the playlist, it felt like every ten minutes the genre would change, classic rock, rap, reggae, they played it all. Service was pretty good, I feel they could have come and offered us drinks a bit quicker, however, I did not mind because the drink list was so expansive that we needed the time to look it all over. Fantastic craft brews from all over the country and three dollar tall boys for those of us who wanted to save some money.
    Not my best written review, but trust me, if you go here you will not be dissapointed. Wonderful place.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/8/2013

    We were early for our reservation at the Girl and the Goat, so we decided to stop by Au Cheval for a couple of drinks.  I tried out two of the hard ciders, both of which I enjoyed.  I was surprised that one of the ciders was listed as being from Long Grove, IL.  I like in Long Grove and had never heard of it.

    We sat at the bar which allowed us to watch the chefs at work.  This made my tummy grumble and now I have to return to try some of their dishes!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/6/2014

    Have been here twice now, and it lives up to the extremely high expectations I had set for the people I brought with me. Which is not an easy accomplishment when you tell them "it is the Best Cheeseburger in the city." But it is and I know I will be back. There is always going to be a wait for dinner so learn to live with it and not let it take away from the food experience.

    What to Order:
    Single Cheeseburger with Bacon and Egg
    Crispy Fries with Mornay Sauce and Egg
    (and 2x pickle back shots for good measure)

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/1/2014
    1 check-in

    I love burgers so upon arriving in Chicago had to make the trek by foot to try what I read to be the "best burger in Chicago" and I must say that my visit was worth every step. The place was packed and there was a wait for tables. Everyone there went out of their way to accommodate getting me the first available seat at the bar. The drink and beer selection was outstanding. The service was fantastic. The entire staff was extremely friendly and worked as a team to deliver a top notch experience. The burger was incredible- everything it was cracked up to be. I really enjoyed my experience at Au Cheval and would love to return to try their other great menu options. I highly recommend this place.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/26/2013

    Came here last night. It was crowded, but managed to snag a stool at the bar. Was worried this would mean I'd get ignored by the wait staff, but someone came by as soon as I got my coat off. Ordered the burger and fries.

    The burger was a solid effort for 10 bucks. A double patty with cheese, pickles, and onions, cooked to medium rare and on a toasted bun. The meat was tasty and juicy, and with a pickle spear, was a nice cap to a long day.

    The fries were tasty and mealy, with a dash of salt and a side of garlic aioli. Very tasty, despite the knowledge of dipping your fries in egg yolks and olive oil.

    A bit on the pricey side, but the service was excellent and a wide selection of beers on tap. Gotta come back for the fried bologna!

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/1/2014
    Listed in Chicago Eats

    We came as a party of 5 and waited about 45 minutes per table.  We were seated at a booth and ordered the following: General Jane's Honey-Fried Chicken with Chili, Sesame Seeds, and Cilantro; Crispy Fries with Mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried farm egg;   bratwurst plate, 2 Double Cheeseburgers; a side of thick cut peppered bacon; and a Griddled Bratwurst with smashed potatoes and roasted garlic gravy. The sesame chicken was pretty tasty as it came out hot and crispy, and the sweet sauce complemented the dish well.  I wasn't a fan of the bratwurst, but the mashed potatoes that it was nestled in was good.  I was a fan of the crispy fries as the garlic aioli dipping sauce made it amazing with its creamy/garlic-y-ness.  I really enjoyed the bacon as it was a thick-cut and it was quite tasty.  The burgers were good and they were juicy.   The restaurant itself was very dim-litted and the idea of a 'gourmet diner' was quite interesting.  A great experience!

    +mashed potatoes
    +crispy fries with garlic aioli dipping sauce
    +thick-cut bacon
    +juicy burgers

  • 1.0 star rating
    6/1/2015

    I have been looking forward to eating at Au Cheval for a very long time, the long wait times have been my nemesis. As I am waiting to be seated (for 30mins) I scan the menu to look for their burgers and wings. Once seated I was informed they don't substitute the burger patty for turkey (which I was willing to forgo) but they were out of bacon! It was only 7.30pm and they opened for dinner 2 hours ago. The long waited burger comes and I have to say I was kind of disappointed. With all the amazing reviews and horrendous wait times to eat here I was hoping for an extra ordinary delicious burger and yet this was just a regular burger, a 5/10. Disappointed? Yes, will I go there again? May be just for a drink or try other things on their menu #chicagofoodhop #aucheval

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/5/2014

    Imagine a restaurant where everything you eat competes with the best you've ever had.

    The hamburgers, fries, mayo, egg, bacon were all amazing.

    The pickle was amazing too. The EFFING PICKLE WAS AMAZING.

    I'm not sure how I can go back to normal people food after this. I may either move to Chicago or die of starvation.

  • 1.0 star rating
    1/24/2015

    This is hands down the best burger restaurant in Chicago. The food is delicious! However, wait times can be 3.5hrs or more on weekends. When they finally text you, your table isn't ready and they expect you to wait in a small cramped space next to other diners. I once had the misfortune of sitting in one of those booths in the waiting area where service lacked and another customer kept farting as they waited for their seat. The workers can be curt as they run around from the bar to the tables. When I was seated I was in the process of taking my jacket off and the server bumped into me while she squeezed by instead of waiting. Aside from all of that, I still dine here because the food is amazing!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/30/2014
    2 check-ins

    A trendy spot for craft beer and comfort eats.  Go early and get on their wait list.  Seating is for right around 50 so it can take some time for your table to be open.  Don't worry, it is well worth the wait.  Go once and you will find a reason to come back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/7/2014
    1 check-in

    My wife and I have been here twice and we've ordered the same thing both times.  We've been meaning to try their other dishes but the burger and foie gras, scrambled eggs, and toast are just so amazing!

    One of the best burgers in Chicago!  If you order the burger make sure to get a fried egg on top.  They have an option to add bacon if you're into that.  

    The foie gras, scrambled eggs, and toast is very rich, buttery, and smooth.  A must try.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/12/2015

    Great atmosphere -- the reel to reel tape for hip hop sets the tone.

    Usually very crowded.

    I've had the burger twice.  Both times mine was too salty and slightly more done than I had hoped.  Next time going to get the double and also request slightly less salt.

    Great flavors. Still not convinced it's the best burger around but will give it a few more tries. Definitely the best reel to reel hip hop scene around.

    The staff is very attentive and professional and a few times went out of their way to make my visits great.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/27/2014

    Came here for my birthday on a Saturday night. No reservations. First come first serve. The wait was 2 hours! Thank god for cocktails!
    Of course the first thing ordered was the bone marrow. It's an acquired taste. Along with foie gras and the honey fried chicken. Everything was amazing!
    Hence the four stars because there was no defined place to wait especially waiting for 2 hours!

Au Cheval - 1361 Photos - American (New) - Near West Side - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 
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  • 5.0 star rating
    6/7/2015

    Went at midnight and still had to wait 30 minutes - but I'm not complaining; I'm thrilled that this spot commands that kind of a following!  The drink from the bar was great, staff was friendly, and the burger & fries were incredible.  I'd rather eat two-day-old Au Cheval leftovers than go to a different burger spot.  Hard to hear a conversation over the music - but the music is on point, so again, not complaining!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/8/2013

    This place is unreal. THE BEST BURGER.

    No one gives the honey fried chicken enough credit. It is to die for.

    Matzoh ball soup is also noteworthy.

    I liked the mashed potatoes more than the fries with egg, but both are incred

    They also play awesome music and have great beer. Be prepared to wait and get a drink at Haymarket

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/15/2015
    1 check-in

    Just damn good. The burger is my go-to in Chicago. It is so good and their bacon should have a "controlled substance" classification, because that stuff is addicting. Also, had the painkiller drink and I really think it rivaled ones I've had at famous Chicago Tiki bars, it was exceptional. Definitely recommend this place, without hesitation.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/2/2013

    Sweeeet Baby Jesus.  This impromptu lunch changed my life.  I need to get back there for a second round so I can try their full menu's bounty.  The brunch menu is a little truncated but they had what I wanted, that gorgeous cheeseburger that's been haunting me all around the internet.  Finally it was to be mine.  

    We each had a burger which was perfect from bun to housemade pickle, though adding the bacon was really gilding the lily, good though it was.  We also shared the pimped out fries with the mornay sauce and egg.  Whatever to the egg of which the white part was kind of silly and weird to cut, but the mornay sauce and aioli (and I'm not an aioli fan) were good.  They also let me order an off-menu beermosa.  Score!  

    We got there at 12:45 on a Saturday and they told us a 45 minute wait which was an overestimate.  I love when that happens.  I need to get my butt back here ASAP to try more goodies and possibly order some pickleback shots.  Not to be confused with Nickleback in any way.  Ugh.  They get negative 5,000 stars.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/26/2015
    1 check-in

    This place makes the best burger on the planet, I really can't speak highly enough of it. And don't skimp out on the bacon, seriously. The fries are also good but I'd say skip the hash browns, they weren't the most flavorful and I would've rather just got another burger. Lastly, expect a wait any day of the night if you don't get there when it opens. We got there Wednesday night at 5:15 and had to wait a solid hour. The good news is there are plenty of other good restaurants  around them so you won't have to starve waiting.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/22/2015

    oh la la ah-mazing!!!!! downside is that they dont take reservations.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/21/2014

    Just like all the other reviews, definitely worth the wait!  Put your name on the list, walk across to Haymarket Brewery and have a few good beers while you wait!

    I highly recommend the bone marrow for an appetizer...it's interesting and unique! The bone marrow itself is just fatty and salty..but there is some kind of jelly/spread that you put on a piece of toast and everything just goes really well together! Plus, you can then say you've tried bone marrow! I probably won't order it again, unless if the person I'm with wants to try it, but it's worth it if you've never had it!

    The burgers are great! They do have a small menu, but you should go there for the burgers.  

    The overall atmosphere is really cooly.  It's a tiny restaurant, but they play some really good music!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/21/2014

    Au Cheval burgers are where it's at. 9.95 for a single and 10.99 for a double and a dollar for an egg on top is something you don't want to miss. The burger is very flavorful and juicy especially with the well seasoned sunny side egg on it. There's an option for the pork belly slice on top which I can do without.

    There's a lot of beer on tap so don't be afraid to try one. If you ask the servers they know their beers also.

    This place is almost always packed at least when I get there. But the wait is generally 20-40 minutes.

    The ambiance is not so suitable in my opinion for families or large groups. It's very dim and loud as well. They also only seat 4 at most unless you split up.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/8/2015

    Been to so many restaurants all around Chicagoland and it's safe to say AC is one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. Unfortunately I didn't get there till past midnight which they only offer the "late night menu" then but the double cheese burger was fantastic, competes with Kumas and others. Their fries with an egg on top were perfectly cooked. The atmosphere was vibrant, would be a great hang out spot. Can't wait to go there again this week  keep it up.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/17/2014
    7 check-ins

    The burger is definitely worth it. Is it as good as the reviews below me say it is? Yes. Is it worth the hour plus wait? Hell yes.

    Came here with the bf, we both had burgers, with a fried egg and bacon. Man was the first bite amazing! I'd say better than the burger at Owen and Engine.

    We Also got an order of crispy fries with a fried egg. That, too as delicious.  I wanted to try the bone marrow or the fois grois, but it was too much food between the both of us.

    For dessert we had the mille feuille.  It's like eating baclava and creamy frosting. If you're full, I would skip it.

    The only thing I would recommend passing on was the ten ninety imperial witbier.  It's a 10% beer, but it really tastes like baby shampoo.

    Overall, excellent food and an amazing burger.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/26/2014
    1 check-in

    Great burger!  Good crispy fries.  The wings coming out look really good as well.  Ambiance is retro feeding an average millennials idea of a cool place with good EATS.  It fits the package.  I like the style of the booths.  Those chefs work their butt off!  Look forward to going back.  Place is on the small side but we all make sacrifices for a great burger.  Top 5 Burger in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/23/2014

    This is a great burger place. It was soo good. I had the single burger, which is actually 2 patties. It was very delicious and juicy.  You can actually only get the burger 2 ways....medium or well done. So for all you rare burger lovers this is not the place. Let me warn you if you try to come during lunch or busy dinner rush there will be a LONG wait. We got there at 12:30pm two different occasions and both times the wait was 1hour and 30 min. And they don't take reservations. I recommend getting there right when they open at 11am.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/24/2014

    My friend I and met here for dinner tonight.  Based upon the menu and the reviews, I was pretty excited to come here.

    We decided to split the chopped salad and French fries and each got a burger. The chopped salad was fantastic and the fries were perfectly crispy.  I followed the suggestion of others and got both egg and bacon on my burger. OH.MY.GOODNESS.  Probably was of the best burgers I've had.

    I will be back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/5/2013
    2 check-ins

    It's hipster. That's the only negative thing I can say about this place.
    The burgers are famous but are probably not even the best things on the menu.
    A good selection of beers.
    The chopped liver is DIVINE. There I said it. Divine. They serve it with dill and Texas toast.
    The bone marrow dish was excellent, with enough marrow to clog your family's coronaries for the next three generations.
    For dessert, the milfoy was huge, and not too sweet.
    The garlic aioli that comes with the fries is a hit.
    Service is excellent.
    I wouldn't leave Delaware, and move to Chicago for this place...Or would I...?

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/22/2015

    Finally decided to try this place after hearing all the hype. Simply put, they make a very good burger. If you don't mind waiting for 1-2 hours, you won't be disappointed.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/31/2013

    The burger:

    a single is a double.

    a double is a triple.

    GET IT.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/31/2013

    Upscale bougie diners are catnip for white people.  The line was out the door on a stormy Wednesday night, and I think they had a cassette player hooked up to the stereo.  I mean, come on.

    We split the chicken liver and had a couple of burgers each.  The burger is a monstrosity - single actually means two patties, both cooked to a perfect medium rare.  I didn't even know you could do that with thin burgers.  The chicken liver tasted as good as cat food commercials make cat food look.  

    House whiskey is 3.50 a shot.  Tallboys are 3 bucks apiece.  It's like they wanted me to get belligerent.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/3/2015

    Awesome food! Long wait but you can go to the bar across the street for drinks and they text you when your spot is ready! Burgers are amazing and the bacon is the best bacon ever!

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/16/2014

    The wait was long, stumble into this place after a long hard day, was dying for a burger. Trust me, after having a double burger with bacon and cheese, you don't want to have any other burger, simply they aren't good enough. After peeking to the side, I ordered the bone marrow, the sauce was amazing, the marrow was amazing, leave my mouth watery while thinking about it again. Harsh brown was a little salty, but nothing a ice cold beer can't fixed. Server was helpful.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/2/2015

    Perhaps the best burger I've ever had! I ordered mine with an egg and bacon and I definitely recommend it. The egg was cooked to perfection and the bacon was thick and juicy and so delicious. The restaurant is a cute little place with exposed brick and industrial furnishings. Very chic. The wait wasn't too bad for a weekday lunch, but I've heard it gets pretty crowded around dinner time. I was visiting from the suburbs so I needed to valet. I don't think Au Cheval has their own valet but it was super easy to valet at Little Goat down the block.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/7/2013
    2 check-ins

    I came here with the boy this afternoon for lunch. We were seated at the bar next to the chef and watched him expedite the food. Coming into Au Cheval, I knew I wasn't going to leave this place feeling "skinny" but I didn't care. I knew this was going to be a splurge and it turns out, I didn't leave the restaurant waddling like a penguin!

    While we sat at the bar, the boy chatted up the chef and I watched the cooks working the line. I saw a lot of burgers on the grill. 75% of the food coming out were burgers, which I understand why after I took a bite out of his burger. It's juicy, it's soft and flavorful. I ordered the salmon rillette, which isn't listed on the menu. Thanks Chef for the secret dish! It was light, tasty and still chunky. He brought us a complimentary side of bacon as well, which was a little too sweet for my taste, but very nice and thick. I love the peppercorns on it! If only I had more room in my stomach.

    I'm not giving this place 5 stars because of the service from our waiter. I barely saw him and I didn't even know about my dish until the chef told us. He apologized for the delay in our food because of his mixup with something, which isn't that big of a deal.

    It's hard for me to digest meat like beef or chicken, but I am willing to go through the pain and misery the next time I come to Au Cheval. I want that bone marrow and foie gras!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/24/2014

    The hamburgers and chicken wings are always great! The only thing that i did not enjoy on the menu was a bologna sandwich.

    The Cocktails are also very good.

    Au Cheval is a must try.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/26/2014 Updated review
    1 check-in

    HOLY CHILAQUILES. HOLY BURGER. I thought this place was great before but omg my recent experience for brunch was terrific. Granted, I was starving and was craving some greasy food but everything was SO DELICIOUS. The chilaquiles with its fresh chips, house made guac, and amazing pickled onions. HEAVENLY. And the coveted cheeseburger with thick bacon and sunny side egg; CRYING. Simple, yet so good. Seriously one of the top two burgers in Chicago. Note: "single" cheeseburger has two patties. And the chilaquiles is served after midnight every night too!

    4.0 star rating
    9/1/2012 Previous review
    I've been wanting to go here for awhile and I finally went this past Wednesday. It was pretty… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    3/29/2013
    2 check-ins

    My friend and I strolled in on a Thursday evening at 6:30pm. We weren't the only ones and the next available table was 45 minutes away. With little room to loiter around, we went to a nearby café to kill time.

    In some 45 minutes, we were promptly notified by text that our table was ready. Both of us had to be present in order to claim the table. The dining area is very tight with limited room for daring maneuvers. Thick, winter coats and stuffed bags are a hazard in this vintage corner!  

    Our dinner consisted of roasted bone marrows with beef cheek marmalade and toast, single cheeseburger, and a side of thick cut peppered bacon. Food was served within 10 minutes. I must meekly say this was my first time having bone marrow and I can't quite grasp the hype. To me, it resembled cooled grease. Maybe it's adaptive? Or there's something wrong with me? I was much more impressed with the marmalade and toast. The single cheeseburger is a misnomer served with double patties. They were perfectly sizzled with the cheese happily melting away. And forget staying slim and healthy, those peppered bacon slabs are not to be ignored. Chow down that fatty meat and feel guilty later! You won't regret it!

    Other than the food and environment, what was a forecast to a memorable dinner? When the friend gently and enthusiastically cues you to take a picture of her entrée before either of us digs in. She sat back in the most patient and elegant manner as I snapped away from different angles. I don't know about you, but for a food-whore, picture-snapper, that meant a lot. A whole lot.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/17/2014

    I went here last week with my fiance. We came here after all the amazing reviews but it definitely didn't live up. First impression was that it is very small and crowded and the wait was about 1.5 hours. We ended up eating at the bar and got the Fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried farm egg which was really good. We both got single burgers and got mine with egg. My fiance really liked it but I felt like tasted it had McDonald's patties in it. I've never came across a restaurant burger that tasted that bad. I'm not sure if it was just my burger or just me but I don't get why people rave so much about this place.

    Overall the fries were good but not great and the burger was pretty bad. I don't think it worth the wait or the rush to go this place. I've had better burgers at Ruby Tuesday's. I gave it three stars because the fries were still pretty good and unique.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/8/2014

    Au chevallllllllllll so in my years (26 to be total) I've always been in search of the perfect burger and God Damn It they have it. There is no glamour nor frills about this place its a "hippie ish diner" that puts out a fucking awesome burger oh they also have the best bacon in chicago PERIOD!.. Service is cool, smart, witty..... But here its all about the burger...........

    Service- B+
    Ambiance- B
    Location- B
    Drinks- A
    Food- A+

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/28/2015

    The long wait on a weekday is wroth it.  Just head across the street on a Tuesday night for half price wine while you wait.  And they will text you when your table it ready.
    The burger lives up to the hype, with your choice of topping with an egg or bacon (or both).  I recommend fries to share on the side.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/30/2014

    Au Cheval truly does have the best burger in Chicago. I've ventured to all of those restaurants that make the burger list and Au Cheval is número uno to me. Better than Kumas!

    The bacon is delicious and unlike any bacon you've ever had before. It's almost like a slab instead of a crisp, but it's delicious. The Hashbrowns are delectable. The vibe of the restaurant is totes up my alley. The waitresses are hit and miss. Sometimes they seem too cool, sometimes they're great.

    I am younger and usually get prejudice from waitstaff thinking I'm not going tip well, when in fact I always tip accordingly. If you're excellent then I'm willing to bust my bank for good service. If you're not friendly at all. My tip reflects it. Rant over.

    Regardless of the service, the burger is phenomenal. I love it. If you have to wait in line, which mostly likely, you will, give them you're number, go to Mariano's at Monroe and Halsted and sample some stuff for appetizers. They'll text you when your table is ready! Woo woo!

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/8/2015

    The juiciest burger in town. It's simple with no flare. I enjoyed every bite. The fries are fresh and extra crispy. Fried chicken is in a tangy sauce which is good. The wait for 6 ppl was about 2 hrs on a Saturday night. Only downside is that most of their food is cooked in pork fat which is unfortunate for people with dietary restrictions.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/10/2013
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chicago, IL

    Fantastic burgers served up here. The menu deceives you, as the single burger comes with two patties. The meat is perfectly cooked, and Au Cheval's extras are some of the best. Unfortunately, I didn't add the thick cut bacon when I went, but from what I hear, it's sublime. If you can shell out the money, the foie gras comes at an additional $9 to your burger. However, I merely opted to add an egg to my burger, and that already made it all to be a decadent and rich culinary experience.

    Because the burger is so rich, I'm thankful they give you a fairly generous pickle spear. I'd also recommend ordering an IPA to go with your burger, as serves a great compliment.

    Besides the food, the drink/beer list is fairly impressive and satisfactory. The ambiance is great, providing a fun, intimate feel as well. Very worth coming here. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to return and try other things on the menu.

    Lastly, the max table size is four, so if you have a group bigger than that, expect to be split into separate tables. Au Cheval is best suited for small groups.

    For out of towners such as myself, this place is busy for lunch. I came at 12:30 on Friday, and I ended up waiting an hour to be seated. The crowds of people and the small space make things really cramped, so I wouldn't recommend waiting inside. If you can structure things to beat the lunch rush, I'd do so, in order to get the most out of your trip.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/15/2013
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Burgers and Dawgs!

    My second time at Au Cheval was last week with Dan G., and while I like it to a certain extent, the Au C is certainly an "Au Scene". It's possibly one I would frequent more if it weren't such a scene to be seen. My review is of the food, service and atmosphere, which is what a restaurant is, right?

    Always packed, we waited by the cramped open area by the bar towards the front. I put my name in with the Hostess, who stands in front of the house music played on a reel to reel player, and waited. We didn't wait long until someone came and took our bar order. With diners seated all around the bar, that's nice service, and much needed.

    For our meal there was a server in training who first whispered a welcome and some other stuff I didn't hear, with our real server in tow. It was really hard to hear her, as Au C is very loud, and this happened on my first visit here- the server in training bit. Dan and I agreed it was a nice touch to train your staff, but the rest of the night being taken care of by a better trained server was a relief.

    We went with the Single Cheeseburger, which is actually a double with two patties. The Double is actually a triple, with three patties. Sigh. Get over yourself, Au C; just call it a Double and a Triple! I ordered mine with raw onion and when questioning our sever about the double patties on our single burger, and lack of onion, she stated my onion was under the patties, which it wasn't- honest, I looked 5 times. The burger was good, get it with the fried egg, it's excellent. We shared an order of fries, and enjoyed the nice beer list.

    I would have liked to have sat and enjoyed another beer, but it seemed so busy, the bar wasn't an option, and taking up the table to linger for another beer didn't seem like it would have been encouraged.

    /and Scene.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/24/2013

    So, a fellow yelper friend of mine was RAVING about this place (Kristina, you reading this?) so I just HAD to go. Honestly, I had VERY high expectations but fear not! Every single dish was better than my already high expectations. Considering the price range, the quality of the food, and the super awesome rustic ambiance - I think I'll be coming here many many more times in the future.
    (oh and the cute waiter with the English accent... hi I might love you)

    I stopped by this place at around 5:45PM on a Thursday night, and already the place seemed to be getting full very quickly. I put my name down as soon as I arrived, so when the rest of the party came, we were swiftly seated (by the bar though, so if we wanted a booth or table, we probably would have had to wait)

    Food (for 2 people):
    Chopped chicken liver, salted butter & toast
    Crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy
    Foie gras, scrambled eggs & toast

    Chopped chicken liver - this. was. my. favorite. I personally LOVE that taste of liver (I dont even know how to describe what liver tastes like, but i'm obsessed with it). This dish came within about 15 minutes of ordering? We mentioned that we wanted to share a dish, and he recommended this one to us, and that's probably why it came so quickly, before both our actual entrees, but the timing of the entire meal was impeccable. Anyways, let's get to the point. Wow, the buttery toast was amazing - how do they manage to keep the bread so thick but not tough and dry?! And the chicken liver - oh. my. goodness. the subtle spice and seasoning on the liver was not overwhelming at all, so that you could enjoy that buttery texture and taste of the liver.
    Oh, I should mention that I didn't feel like the extra butter spread they gave us was necessary because the bread was already buttery and liver also has a buttery-texture. I mean, if you like butter, go for it! hahah
    By far my favorite dish of the night.

    Crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy - I'm so curious. How did the hash stay crispy until the last bite?! Is it magic?! Anyways, can I just say that my friend and I both rolled our eyes and almost died when we took our first bites...it was that good. three different types of meat, duck heart gravy (what is it? I don't know, don't ask. It was yummy and that's all that matters) and forever crispy potato hash. Oh, and an essential fried egg on top. The portions are BIG, but don't worry, two girls finished all three dishes, so go explore. So good so good so good.

    Foie gras, scrambled eggs & toast - same toasts from the starter! Who the heck decided foie gras and scrambled eggs went together. I want to find you because its the strangest but MOST AMAZING combination I've ever experienced. I mentioned how I LOVE LIVER, right? Well, that's probably why I LOVE FOIE GRAS as well. And the foie gras here was cooked peculiarly - when I bit into it, it kind of gave off the sensation of "popping"?! Anyways, WOW. SO GOOOOOD. and the sweet sauce made sure that you don't feel overloaded by the protein by the end of the meal. perrrfect. perfect.

    We sat right in front of the kitchen (which consisted of 3 people in an area the size of a bar booth) and watched all creation by these magicians. Seems like along with the dishes we ate, the burgers and the wings were very popular! Anyways, it was GREAT sitting in front of the kitchen - these chefs were amazing and so fun to watch. I totally want one of those egg frying pans they were using...

    So 3 big dishes for 2 people = $44....are you SERIOUS? SO CHEAP AHHH.

    ambiance + quality of food + portions of food + cute English waiter + PRICE = PERFECTION
    definitely coming here again for their burger and wings.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/20/2013

    The drinks combined with the food just make this place hard to beat.  I did want to hate it, I have to be honest.  There is ALWAYS a wait.  & I hate waiting.  But there are a ton of bars nearby to drink while waiting.  

    Get the Hemingway.  It is my fav drink and pretty much the reason for the 5 stars.  Well that and the Bologna sandwich.  Yes I said it.  Bologna sandwich.  It's amazing.  Oh yeah and the burger.  Best burger ever.  Literally.  Also get the Salad with bacon and eggs.  The ranch is homemade and is the best ever.  I could literally order all 3 of these items (which we usually do) and be perfectly happy for the night.  

    If you haven't gone - def go!  But know full well you will wait 1-2 hours on Fri & Sat nights.   But the food is def worth it.  Amaze.  

    Recap:

    Hemingway
    Burger (Says single on the menu - you get a double.  win win)
    Bologna Sandwich
    Salad w/Bacon

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/10/2014

    Randolph street was dead last night but walk into this place and you would never know! Good atmosphere if you like a dimly lit room with some randomly good jams. Burger was great, I got mine with a fried egg on top. They don't have ask you how you want it cooked so if you like your burger cooked more than almost medium tell them. Good late night spot.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/4/2014

    Great place. Ambiance is perfect, very cozy and a great place to bring an out of town guest. Make sure to put your name down and expect a wait. Get a drink at one of the bars around and be sure to watch your phone as they don't call, they text when your table is ready. Learned that the hard way. Also avoid the fried bologna sandwich (it was like eating a salt block), but def go for the foie gras! So good. Service was exceptional. Invite your waitress to take a break and sit down with you, and s/he will happily and give you all of the best suggestions!

    Definitely a great place to try.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/10/2014

    My very first time. .. and won't be the last .. Very cool and trendy diner .. started with their ginger chicken for appetizers. .my my..I can lick the remaining sauce over the chicken ... Still drooling thinking bout it .. burger is great too bit salty for me but it was still delicious! !! I forgot the name of the dessert but it was heavenly good too...

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/13/2014

    This is my favorite burger in Chicago. It's low on gimmicks compared to burger places that put 7 different things on them, but at Au Cheval less is more. Hands down, the double cheeseburger with egg is euphoric. Eat slowly.

    Be prepared for a long wait, sometimes as long as 2-3 hours. After they take your phone number, walk over to Haymarket, have some beers and small plates, and then come back and get the double with egg and an old fashioned. Recipe for a perfect evening.

    I read through the 1-3 star reviews on here, and there are some real entitled people out there. I've never had a problem with the service. With a 3 hour wait at a packed location, naturally the waitresses are going to be busy running around and not at your beck and call every minute. And if you ask about the burgers demanding a detailed explanation, perhaps the complexities of a Big Mac is more your style. This place is low on the frills.

    For everyone else, plan a bit ahead, and relish some of the best burgers in Chicago.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/3/2014
    1 check-in

    As soon as I got to Chicago, all my friends told me I had to eat here. I'm glad they did. We ordered the burger with a side of bacon and fried egg. The bacon is ridiculous. It's so savory and almost fluffy in texture. I would get it on the side as it's so good you might want to devour it on it's own.

    We also got the foie grois and scrambled eggs which was awesome. However, it is heavy so we couldn't really finish it after killing the burger.

    Overall, Au Cheval is legit. The food lives up to the hype and it does not let you down.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/2/2014
    2 check-ins

    Wow, I rarely give 5 solid stars........but this place gets 6 stars. Ambiance, food, drinks, beer, music, decor and service all get 6 stars. Really great place.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/7/2014
    1 check-in

    I had heard a lot about the burgers and fries and was not disappointed.  I think one of the best things about a restaurant is when it does not disappoint you.  The service was great.  We got our food when it was piping and hot.  I abhor lukewarm food.  This place was memorable to me because it felt like the food came off the stove and straight onto our table.
    The marrow and meat jam. Oh dear lord. Thinking about the meat jam, I am drooling.  
    I wish I had been more hungry or had more people so we could have ordered 3 or 4 more items.  
    Can't wait to go back.